I know the criterion for U.S. Awards but defer to you on the criterion for the Crown’s Awards.
So far, in this war, I've correctly picked the awarded decoration in all but one case - in that one the GC was awarded for something I'd have recommended an MC for, so I could be wrong again.
This bit leaps out at me though: Flt-Lt Fortune - who had TV presenter Mike Brewer on the aircraft filming a documentary - was advised to hold off on approach to the battle as it was "too hot" on the ground. He circled until troops reported incoming fire had calmed down.
It indicates that he held off his approach until the circumstance had become less dangerous. No criticism of him - he was advised to do so, he may well have been ordered to do so, and you have a duty to be smart, not just brave, and to preserve your life and aircraft, not just risk it - but it does wind up making a difference. It would be hard to press the claim that the situation was one of the most extreme danger.