Kwaj,
If I were you, I certainly wouldn't mention what happened in 1989 with reference to what we are talking about here.
Now you have raised it, that is a perfect example of what the Engineers are worried about safety wise.
The Engineers that were with the Airlines then (yes including me) worked daily with these imported Pilots. Although most of them were very nice people, I pray that Australia NEVER sinks to the level that those Aircraft were maintained.
The majority of Australian LAMEs at the time REFUSED to certify for these Aircraft, because of the condition they were in, and the way they were maintained (or NOT maintained). It really made us appreciate the professionalism of the 1989 Pilots, though by what you said, I guess you wouldn't understand that.
GOD help us if the Australian Airline Industry is to sink to those standards.