How should Captain Smith be judged?

What is your evaluation of Captain Edward John Smith?

He tried his best, but pride in his new ship may have encouraged him to seek maximum speed on a final prestigious command.

The judgment is that Edward John Smith tried his best and did not act with simple recklessness. Outside pressure is possible, but professional pride in commanding the newest and largest liner may better explain the desire for a fast passage. A captain nearing retirement could see a record crossing as a fitting final achievement. Human ambition therefore joins prestige, schedule, technology, and risk in the account of Titanic's loss.