Yes, Betchart Expeditions was the cruise company, and they went to the island where TIGHAR just happened to be at the same time, led by the knowledgeable people that we know. Its the Image, Joe, the image that TIGHAR encouraged the cruise and wanted them there, by all means so they could find more artifacts and become a part of history! Did they, or didn't they? Had they all been qualified scientists and investigators of historical aircraft with the same reasons for being on the island as TIGHAR, it would have been a totally different image. I think with the exception of yourself and a few others, such was not the case.
I appreciate the sincerity you bring to the discussion.
I know there are debates and uncertainty. I don't know much about the politics or the psychology of the motivations. Maybe others can address.
I know if you go to another 501(c)(3) and ask to participate directly in the research, they send you a link to a webcam so you can watch the qualified people participate directly in the research.
If you ask TIGHAR you get a chance to go, and do.
You'll give up 3 weeks, the fare is steep, but if you have a surpassing interest to go and do, there is a chance that, eventually, you can.
There will always be an open runway for those who leave the impression as, or actually are, the best and the brightest.
But one can't always predict the return address on the next Big Idea.
Consider
Jim McClure. In 2000, he first proposed Betty Klenck might have heard "Norwich City" on her radio. He proposed this, out of the blue, on the Forum.
Or how about
Peter McQuarrie. He stumbled on the Bones Papers while doing research - on World War II.
The "image," as one who was there, was of experienced people helping far less experienced people, like me, appreciate what the organization is all about.
These are the people who needed it most.
Having a few best and brightest there was helpful to those of us who did.
I think there were more than enough best and brightest on hand to make a desirable team.
If this impeded the mission, that will certainly need to be addressed big time, but in my book it was one of TIGHAR's finest hours.
Joe Cerniglia