I don't see what pilot qualification has to do with the fact that it should go something like this:
1) Land.
2) If unable to land, hold.
3) If unable to hold, divert.
4) If unable to divert, declare emergency.
If holding and diverting weren't options, he was completely justified in declaring an emergency. But we.... both you and I.... weren't there. We don't know what lead up to that point. Though, if you're unable to do either of those, chances are you've already declared an emergency, or at least probably should've. If this guy had already stated min fuel or something along those lines, have at it.
But, declaring an emergency and vectoring yourself through some of the busiest airspace in the world, telling the controller to get everyone out of your way and ignoring his instructions... because you want a different runway? If nothing significant led up to it, thats TOTD material.
And for your response focusing on my background rather than what the AA pilot did, all I can say is....
