I'm not shocked whatsoever that someone like Dowski exists in such an overwhelming situation against a superior foe and I agree that she needed to be taken care of, albeit on more reasonable terms. What gets on my nerves is that her entire being in this instance overcomplicates what could be solved through more simple means. Keyes, Dowski, and the rest of the bridge crew could have been attempting to link up with Marines from one Bumblebee, overlooking them from behind cover at a distance, witnessing them attempting to surrender to a Covenant patrol, and ultimately being executed. Odds are seeing this would have instantly shut Dowski up about putting their life squarely in the hands of the Covenant, thus you create a mindset in the young officer that fighting is the only way out.

Instead Dietz tarnishes the reputation of one legendary character for no good reason. It also totally avoids exploring Dowski's character as an example of mental health in war in a respectful manner and how others can properly provide aid for them. Also, I'm fairly sure that Dietz ignores that to be an officer aboard Pillar of Autumn, with respect to its original mission with the Spartans, your professionalism and tactical knowledge have to be finely tuned. Even if someone like William Lovell was often a malcontent it never affected how he performed in the heat of combat. Now I'm not saying that you can't exhibit all of the terrible mental side effects of war, but all of these officers accompanying Keyes should know how to deal with it in their peers and subordinates, and certainly not fuck with Dowski. It would make sense if these were a bunch of poorly-trained civilians and not elite, professional naval officers.