There is not enough information in the referenced thread to make a judgement. 2nd hand information, no knowledge of whether the issue occurred in flight or prior to departure.
We can all agree that if it occurred prior to departure or very shortly thereafter the plane shouldn't have flown. If it was halfway there, what are the options...turn back or keep going, or divert to HNL or elsewhere and try to get another bird in there. None of the options are great in that scenario, as it's a long way and a lot of water.