Responsibility
The argument you guys have going is a cultural one.
Do you want to have freedom which brings with it responsibility? (Screw up and you're in trouble). Or do you want the government to hold your hand and tell you what to do at any given time?
(Take it like a man or run hide behind your mothers skirt when things go wrong?).
The AF Captain screwed up, end of story. I have been in tight spots and stopped to ensure that I have had enough room. I would rather get yelled at for tying up traffic than bending the airplane.