It’s always very easy to second guess the actions of others. The best any of us can do in such a situation with especially a short time frame is pick an option, focus and execute. It worked for this Captain. Later critiques and with lessons learned exercise following such an experience is to be expected. I consider him a professional and a hero.
Then forever question your decision......that's just human nature.
After it all died down, I'm sure nobody ever gave a second thought about the aftermath and what Sully's life was like afterwards. I'm glad Eastwood took that approach......
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better..." T.R.
With all the time in the world,sitting at nice stationary desk, has anyone come up with a better option?
Engines out at low altitudes over a giant metropolitan area full of people.
In a jet full of fuel, he looked down and picked the only clear space to crash (worse case) but then managed to execute a good water landing (best case).
It was a good decision made in close to a split second.