I guess the ATSB report will reveal all, won't it. Be watching with interest. As for why do a LLZ in VMC, read the star and your questions will be answered.
I recall about 18 yrs ago departing Darwin and was passed reasonably close to an Australian Airlines 737. I leveled off and questioned my clearance, the approach controller advised we had more than 5 nm. I had excellent eyesight back then, as I could read the rego on the rear from 5 nm apparently.
No point questioning military minds, they are never wrong, just ask one.