DV,
Subsequent posters have covered your questions I think.
That the design fault and its potential consequence (now, tragically, real) was widely known of and tolerated all these many years is both unbelievable and outrageous; and in this context I fully agree with the concerns that Chug and Tuc rightly hold. I know of one of the early and most respected Hawk development test pilots who did all he could to resolve the issue over many years, and which I'm told gave him much worry into his retirement. That in itself beggars belief that the system is so lacking.
I believe the SI fulfilled its remit, its recommendations are very clear, and in no way did it fail in its purpose. Now it is incumbent on others up the gravy train to very belatedly act: which is, I think, where CM and myself came from (with apologies if I'm incorrect Courtney).