I wonder if it is a factor of psychology that when in severe doubt and uncertainty (and possibly anxiety), Kennedy relies on outside decision making and invests his trust and final decision in it, to his detriment. Therefore driving a need to have as perfect information and understanding as possible, and filling in the gaps with pragmatism, empathy towards the opponent in putting himself in their place to understand their position in regards to American action, and conservatism in actions undertaken. This would be cemented by Bay of Pigs and come into play in subsequent response to Laos, Berlin, Cuba and Vietnam. A factor perhaps simply stated as knowing you know better at your core of what to do, so acting accordingly, while also vetting alternate opinions. This is an issue that would arise again with Diem, where the situation was so complex and unknown, and he relied on outside opinions and assurances that everything would work out in the removal of Diem. And then after Diem was removed, not only was he removed, but he and the Ngo family were murdered -- an action which was in total opposition to what was promised, and which the South Vietnamese military which lead to coup covered up and lied as being Diem trying to flee and therefore needing to be killed. Which was not true. They drove him out and shot him in the back of the head. The failure in those regards reaffirms Kennedy's belief in pragmatism, empathy, and more perfect knowledge to take personally vetted action. And while the previous failure prompts a subsequent larger crisis, it is then properly handled based on those reaffirmed characteristics.