Could have been white knight syndrome on the part of ATC or the pilots or both. One US airline almost went off the end of a very long dry runway in the fog of war trying to play hero. Its a real CRM issue and a huge standing threat. Especially when force multiplied by other threats as was the case in the example being discussed.

Possibly. If you have access to the ASAP report or know the players maybe you'd have insight that many don't.

But just in the realm of TEM/possible outcomes, what would have ACTAULLY been faster and less error/threat prone?

Just saying in a "learn from a previous situation way" and NOT a "they pooched a screw way".

TWA 2001: MD-80 landed at Craig, CO 5600'x100' instead of Hayden/Steamboat 10,000'x150'

2004 me, almost, had it not been for an awesome fo who spoke up and voiced his concern. Was the exact airport/runway as the continental in 1997. We were fully configured, short final. Talking to the controller on the phone after, he said he was supposed to be watching but was distracted by something else. He was more apologetic than anything. Happens. I throw no rocks from my glass house.