Flight rules exist for a reason. If not the safety of the aircraft and pilots, but for the spectators on the ground.

The willful violation of those rules is an act of defiance, not heroism.

By his action, the lead pilot did so with knowledge of the consequences of said such action, and his wing also did knowingly follow his lead knowing that they were not only in violation of FAA rules, but Air Force rules instituted after a very tragic accident which caused the lost of an aircraft, and but for the actions of the pilot, many people on the ground.

His wings are welcome back in the locker.

We need combat pilots, not idiots, on the controls of a 200 million dollar fighter such as the F-22. (in this case 26 million dollar F-16C).

Sad to see him go - but he knew the rules, he violated the rules, and he must own up to the consequence of breaking those rules.

Luckily, no one else suffered on the ground because of his dereliction of duty.