The first agency kneejerk reaction I experienced was when LAS had their midnight shift incident.
Glenn Martin issued a memorandum to all ATMs mandating the way midnight shifts would be run going forward.
The reason I don't buy into this NDJH narrative is because Rinaldi was known for having good relationships and connections in the industry. (That is why he was/is retained by NATCA) Even during his presidency, the FAA was able to impose work rules.
I think it's arrogant to claim that if NDJH were in the driver's seat they could have prevented a kneejerk reaction from a green FAA administrator.