So he caged the AI in flight, stated he didn't look at it again and made a series of random control inputs to rectify his situation without actually looking at the altimeter or AI!
Yes, there were unacceptable ops pressures and the questioning of his decision not to go but he failed on every count to take appropriate IIMC actions. He and his crew were incredibly lucky not to crash.
I think Gomer Pylot's comments about total hours and continuity of flying experience are very germane to this incident.
What was he doing staring at a bright light anyway - no better way of screwing your night vision!
Was the AI problem because he had shut down and not completed the startup checks properly?
A proper set of instrument checks (especially if you think there is a real risk of IIMC) would have been the professional thing to do.
A lot of self-induced pressure here.