Max1-
Bloody well said.
you are 110% correct in your observations re the company and especially re management types wanting to look good rather than be good/great at doing the actual job they are being paid the big bucks to do.
Same in many aviation companies today as well as in other industries.
All about show and style above substance and value.
If the crew of QF32 had been working on those principles of operation that A380 and 450 plus people would have left a hole in the ocean and be resting on the bottom now.