It does seem that these guys were indeed left holding a bit of a "slippery baby" due, at least in part, to the help rendered by certain ATC's they had to deal with, so (quite possibly?) no real blame deserved here in ending up with a Distress call.
If nothing else it has opened up a healthy debate on Commanders authority, and the (apparent) unwillingness of some individuals to demand/use it . . and not just in Ryanair.