Slow Biker:-
Okay, okay, I'll stay with it, but really, I don't think I can add much to the conversation
On the contrary you have already added much. Your own experience emphasises the dysfunctional system that meant that you were left simply hoping not to be the one that acted wrongly out of ignorance. It was not your fault not being fully informed but of those that rendered the system dysfunctional to such a gross extent. As you say we are all on the same side. We all want UK military aircraft to be airworthy. It will take all of us to demand that real reforms rather than pretend ones make that happen. As to learned posts, they certainly don't come from me! I was a lowly GD/P. They don't come more unlearned than that!
Come on in and join the fray! I must though regrettably end on a note of mild censure. Question Time biased? Really Sir, how can you suggest such a thing?