Quote Mikehotel: ''Finally, Dan, is it not the case that the amount of extra fuel is almost irrelevant if that fuel is burned before the diversion commences? Had these aircraft diverted immediately after discontinuing their MAD approaches they would have had more fuel at VLC. So it comes down to airmanship backed up by guidance from up on high as to when to commence a diversion.''
Of course it is, and you answer your own question. Having the extra fuel gives you the luxury of more time to make that desision. Although I mentioned that generally the crews did a good job, I have to question the wisdom of waiting until you get to diversion fuel and then make the desision when everyone else is also diverting. In my experience, in these situatuions is best to be ahead of the queue!