I think the problem was /IS that both the RAF and BAE were in the same bed together (and spooned too! but you'll have to guess who's in front)
The relationship was that of closeness but was too close. There didn't/doesn't seem to be any real supplier/customer relations - just relations!
To be efficient you need to be driven (by commerce?) not willing to wait for your friend to come up with some more excuses.
It's the reason that you shouldn't arrange for your in-laws to build an extension on your house. You'll just keep getting put further and further back on their list of "other" jobs.