Most of the posters on this thread will not have been in Special Forces, and don't have much of an idea of what I was trying to explain, above. Let me try an analogy- the Special Forces A-Team would be more like the local cop on the beat, who gets to know his neighborhood and the people who live there, listens to them, gets a few good tips, perhaps, on criminal plans or gang activity, and maybe even helps them set up a "Neighborhood Watch" program.
The 82nd (or other conventional forces) would be like sending in a large SWAT Team to project overwhelming force into a critical situation, and end it. Making friends and listening to local people is not a high priority.
Both approaches are needed, but not for every situation.
Your analogy is compelling. One of the worst things that can happen in my community is for the SWAT guys to show up when they are not needed and then slip the leash. Still, when you need them you really need them.
It's the command leadership that must decide who to use and when. When they send in the wrong folks they should be held to account. If they wind up with egg on their faces and try to pass blame to subordinates they should be relieved.
Ring of truth bump.