“It is packed with really fantastic all-weather imaging, GPS mapping, and a huge assortment of things we have not dreamed of.”
I can dream about a lot of things, I don’t know about you, but it is still piloted by a human under the command of humans. Human’s especially those worrying about their next fitness report and with a lawyer looking over their shoulder can make a lot of mistakes. Remember the same humans didn’t think of a 911 scenario until after it happened.
Believe me technology doesn’t solve all problems. GIGO is always operative in every decision process.
The man in the cockpit was perfectly capable of dispensing with that sad little airplane just as soon as unpleasant intentions became obvious. The fact of the matter is, the episode ended about as peacefully as it could have, giving full credibility to judgement of those men in charge and in the cockpit.
If one like you had been in charge, there is a very high probability that the outcome would have been unpleasant. You can Monday-night quarterback all you wish. Those who were "in play" obviously made the right calls.