Nubian, although I have done plenty of underslung load work from 8 to 80 ft strops but not production long line work.
However, a pink body on anything up to 245 ft of winch wire being delivered to the back of pitching and rolling fishing vessels or the tiniest of footholds on a dark and windy mountainside was my usual 'longline' load. All the same handling skills are required.
I think you are being too harsh from the comfort of your armchair on the pilot in question.