it would still take some courage and mettle, and that is admirable.
Yes. It seems that Lachlan flew an aircraft in a challenging situation, and used it's capabilities appropriately. So it's more capable than a well equipped Stearman, I don't think he was competing with a Stearman! Regardless of the capability of the aircraft, transoceanic flight in a light single piston aircraft is an achievement - more so if flown solo. In the mean time, I don't have the sense that he was calling everyone out to the airport to watch him land, and have his photo taken with notable people. Self aggrandizement does not appear to be his priority. All the more reason to offer him some honourable recognition.