Scissorlink - The formation leader would normally be responsible for everything pertaining to the formation, its constitution, planning, actions on..etc etc. He would not be responsible for the actions of an individual pilot.
This sounds like one of those tragedies where they all had the best of intentions for an important day and the poor guys got caught out. For as long as humans try to conquer the combination of nature and machinery, we will have accidents.
I have not seen the actual report, nor do I have the facts, but according to the news articles, they seem to be chastising the force for a "can do" attitude. Well, as far as I'm concerned, without being irresponsible, it is that "can do" attitude that makes these guys a rather special breed.
The other side of that coin is a "no can do" attitude. That is not what we need from any miltary force.
I sympathise with everyone involved, especially those who lost their sons.
Tam