Why folks seem to think he's "the pinnacle" is because no one died when he ditched the plane. Really, that was extreme luck in that regard. As for him "buying into his hype", well, that is on him. It doesn't detract from the fact that he was able to pull off a successful ditch in where no one died.
I will whole heartily agree that Training is extremely important. It will make a difference, but, Training and Experience are two different things. Some here will truly understand the following: "You can train to kill a man all day, every day. It is not until the day you actually take a man's life, is when you truly find out..."
I'm not sure how much more clear I need to be in regards to the differences between Training and Experience.