Beale has been a work in progress since his introduction to the Wallabies and he rated a number of pages in Robbie Deans' just-released biography about his time in charge of the team.
"He is also exasperatingly prone to hitting the self-destruct button, delivering the good and bad in equal measures," Deans said.
"Kurtley's biggest challenge is his lack of self-reliance. When placed in an environment where he lacked sufficient support, it was nearly always detrimental."
After the latest plane incident it was noticeable captain Michael Hooper and his deputy Adam Ashley-Cooper came out in support of their teammate who was overlooked for the test in Argentina.
Players have apparently become increasingly disgruntled about Patston, her role in the team and level of authority.
Whether that discontent gets into the public arena at Beale's misconduct hearing is unlikely but the bubbling tension will surface somewhere while the Wallabies try to get their campaign sorted for the All Blacks in Brisbane next week.
The Wallaby woes will not be a distraction for Steve Hansen and his men. They have managed a few escapes in their great run of results and will be intent on making amends for their defeat to the Springboks.
Kick the Wallabies while they are down? Why not, there is no place for mercy in the international sports arena.
