Nelson, insubordination, and the protection of victory

Where is the line between Nelson's celebrated insubordination and a reckless assault that would have ruined a lesser officer?

The outcome largely draws the line: victory protected Nelson's gambles, while failure would have exposed the same conduct as reckless disobedience.

Success often determines how naval disobedience is remembered. A commander who wins may receive medals and promotion, while failure can turn the same gamble into disgrace or death. Nelson's decisions at Cape St Vincent and Copenhagen became celebrated because they succeeded. The same conduct from a defeated officer could be remembered as reckless insubordination.