Nigel, sorry, the point I was trying to make as simply that those undertaking that type of flight were not properly prepared, briefed or understanding the consequences of what they were doing, which is something for which I agree they must bear responsibility.
Agreed
I had recently done my "CAA Check Pilot" (post-maintenance Test Pilot) on ex-Mil jets, and learned a lot re the approach, attitude and philosophy such testing needed. Perpignan then happened, and everything that (ex-)CAA & RAF TP rang ominously true.