Can I ask that theficklefinger - and any others who might have a tendency to needless agitation and arm waving - has a Bex and a lie down/nice cup of tea (pick one) and takes ten deep breaths prior to continuing ?
FYI,
galaxy flyer (whom I know) was a military flyer and has extensive experience (including check and training, if I recall correctly) on Lockheed's product. His present mounts are matters for my envy. He has more than enough runs on the board to speak with authority on flight standards issues.
aterpster (whom I don't know personally but correspond with occasionally), likewise, is a very experienced pilot and an expert on procedural design matters.
I, for one, would hesitate to jump into criticising either unless I knew that I was on VERY solid ground ....