He did a credible "F1-like" storable engine so the argument could go either way.
All the sources on that engine (the RD-270) that I can find either say that the engine had serious problems (combustion stability was mentioned in at least once source) or that it worked beautifully and was pretty much ready to fly when the plug was pulled on its development.
I'm not sure which sources to believe.
Maybe not as the justification is viable especially if you have many of the same issues with the early Proton. A thought is that if Yangel gets Glushko and Korolev in a working arrangement that would leave Chemolei having to look elsewhere for an engine maker which may have him turn to Kutsonov who didn't really have storable experience which could lead to worse performance and another disaster which Yangel can turn to an argument for switching propellants.
Hmm. Very interesting idea.
Poor Kutsonov though... Or Kuznetsov. (I take it you meant Kuznetsov?)
fasquardon