I don't know who would say Mike was doomed. I decided against. Some would say I am doomed and irresponsible.
People have to make the decision based on the information available and that information changes with time.
I'd suggest it was a fine balance back in the day tilted towards taking it if of a certain age or health issue and that balance tips slightly the other way over time.
What is interesting is that the positions are entrenched. I accept mine is now (it wasn't back in the early days as you can see by my comments then) but you put out some information on here which I have taken the time to consider and the reaction (or lack of it) is interesting.