[stephen]

I think we're all dancing on a pinhead here and avoiding the blunt truth... the LE was a propaganda machine. War is an industry... nothing more. The industry fails when people are unwilling to sacrifice their children to the state's ambitions, and, of course, the financial health of their cronies. This is not profitable. So, wars must be "sold" like any other cheap product that fails to deliver what it promises. Full scale propaganda campaigns, flag waiving, parades, medals... the stupid masses must gleefully cheer as their children march off to die or the whole scheme fails.

The LE was the flagship of this war's propaganda machine. If the unit had never scored a single victory it didn't make a bit of difference, they'd have been celebrated just the same.

I love WWI aviation as much as the next guy, but that is the answer to your question. The LE is celebrated beyond its achievements because it was an integral part of the state's propaganda. It continues to be celebrated today for the same reason.