Since no one took what they said seriously, then what was wrong with what they said?
Britain lost face even if no one "took them seriously". Perhaps especially if, because it showed that Britain could be coerced into anything. It may not be logical that it works like that, but it does.
I agreed with most here in the first few days. After that, the extensive video clips began to look like reality TV shows. How humiliating for the British, and now that the 15 are to be released, I am sure that the circus will continue. Faye is a bona fide TV star now.
Derbyshire is correct in using the carpenter analogy, IMHO.
Somebody should be turning a jaundiced eye on the captain of the HMS Cornwall, but that will probably get the “hurry up and forget” treatment too.
The islamonutjobs served by al JaQaeda TV certainly took what they said seriously, and that's what "giving aid and comfort to the enemy" is all about.
They wimped out; they suffered not much more than they do when they're on leave back home, and they gave the enemy a fair-sized propaganda victory.
It was taken as propaganda by some, empowering by the surrenderist types by the other so regards to what is wrong with what the soldiers said, it further illuminates how many will side with Iran.
And it also adds to fear of Iran, especially by states that can’t hope to face off against them in a military dispute. If the West is retreating in the face of Iranian hostage taking, then what hope do the Gulf States have?
This is merely one wrinkle of what is wrong with what the UK soldiers said.
Others will surely add to the impact of such a disgrace.
I’m not making a determinative judgement, just highlighting some points in light of this based on your question.