I understand the Pilot was a CSIP (An instructor who has done the Cirrus Standardized Instructor Program) if that is the case I am reasonably sure he weighed up all options and in his mind chose the best.
Mad Jock those fields look pretty appalling to me, landing at 70 knots under extreme pressure and 4 up there is I would guess a 50 / 50 chance of writing off the plane and having some serious injuries if not fatal's, that's if you got it in the field and were lucky enough to avoid all the trees and rocks.
Well done the Pilot for taking a good decision.
As for giving up the Beer and Cider I agree that would be ridiculous.