Well, the one thing thats really not taken into consideration here, is the time period in which McCain was flying, and can tell you from experience as I have some overlap in that time with VA-75 , that someone that lost aircraft on a consistant basis due to screwing the pooch were gone. However, the accident rate for "nuggets" back then was a lot higher than it is now. There are many factors I imagine, types of training, aircraft type. etc. One thing to consider here too, an A-4, A-7' and I believe he flew A-1's to , damn sure aint no F-18. I will admit that some in Navy circles who knew McCain personally will tell you he had a reputation as a "hot dog" but from what I know of him directly, he was a damn fine skipper. I can see though, if you believe in somene though and they change their minds on something thats fundemental to you it would tend to make you lose respect for them though. I just see it a little different is all Sailor.