"Simulations say you could have made it back to the airport" I was taught, from the beginning, to NEVER try and make it back to the airport after an engine failure during climb out. Hell I can't believe there was ever any question he did the right thing. He not only did the right things, he did them perfectly.
Simulations where the pilot not only knew something was going to happen, but what was going to happen.
Not exactly fair.
Sully didn't know something was going to happen. He did not know what was happening. He had to deduce, think, make decisions, etc.
OODA.