[Rokke]

Since your argument assumes there must be advantages for a SAM to approach from below, then maybe you can explain what they are. Since you've actually witnessed a long range SAM launch, you must also be familiar with the techniques used to defend against that launch. Exactly which one of those techniques would be made less effective by a SAM flying a low altitude trajectory?
Sorry, but there isn't a SAM system in use or in development that would, by design, require its missile to fly a low altitude profile against a target flying anywhere other than low altitude. It makes no sense tactically or physically.
And yes, I've been there done that as well. In fact, I still am.

[honway]

And yes, I've been there done that as well. In fact, I still am

I thank you for your service and yield to your expertise on the subject. It is very possible due to my limited understanding that I misunderstood the specific new technology that was being tested. I realize the credibility of an anonymous poster from an anonymous source is as about as low as you can get, but since the information supports the conclusion of Pierre Salinger, I thought I would add it to this thread.

you must also be familiar with the techniques used to defend against that launch

In a heavy with no active or passive defense, the only technique involved was pretty basic.