He could have been an "Experienced F16 Pilot" again how many hours in that bird? At only 34 years old I doubt if he had many, but that is my $0.02 worth. Most "experienced" western pilots are in there 40's. But then its hard to assume all of this until the facts are in (ASSUME, makes an ASS of U & ME) if ALL the facts are revealed.
I would not call the guy a hero for not ejecting, he clearly did not think it through, he made a mistake then not enough time to think eject or push stick forward = confused. One has to fly this in your mind at least 30 to 60 seconds before you maneuver the controls just like any fast racing etc. You have to be thinking ahead of where your at at any point in the sky.