Actually not at all...it's Russia.. and known to be the norm pretty much when it comes to their tower people. Additionally I understand filling those positions is difficult as well, so no I do not question this.
Certainly the fog was a huge issue as it was thick...even the videos show the density, aside from the smoke. And you must remember that the President of Poland had been known in the past to override the pilots judgement, so that plays into this as well...the pilot may have wanted to otherwise go to another airport but the Pres. overrode that....the black boxes will likely answer some more of the questions as this investigation continues. But the pilot does have the authority over the tower to make the judgement call...he did not ignore the tower as the news people choice of words stated, they like to build the emotional reaction of the public to keep them engaged..words do that as does intrigue. Especially given the countries envolved and the event.
Polish authorities were already there when boxes were located and recovered.. so that is a non-issue...though some might choose to make it one as we have read in the news. Remember there were authorites waiting for their arrival who had gone ahead of this flight.
I think too we need to remember this is Russia not the USA. Their resources and pretty much everything we take for granted is scarcer and that includes the quality of their employees as well who are often stretched thin.
... Not to mention no one alive in Russia will want to take responsibility...fear does come into the picture too. Look how quick the head of the maintenance crew spoke up about the fine condition this plane was in, and that those who overhauled it and kept it in shape could not have had anything to do with the plane failing, that it had to be something else....as the smoke was still billowing from the site! That was fast and he didn't look very confident to say the least!....Then put yourself in his shoes with Putin and the international community watching it all! Someone is going to take the hit and no matter what the findings are...it will inded be an accident.... But I do think it was.
Have read on polishblog.forum - that the Russian Air Traffic Controllers ignored 'protocol' by speaking Russian and not English. Don't know the situation here per 'who' was in charge; nor their language skills; but again; many questions. Certainly; given the 'who' on this plane; it should have been a 'high priority' insuring a safe arrival.