If I may be a little contrary...
Assuming it was just the vertical stab that came off, there is some-but not much-directional control available; maybe this poor bastard really did pick where he would put it (more or less). But it would take lots of experience and a very cool head- especially knowing it would not do you any good personally. :-/
As for the controllers- sorry, but if conditions are VMC, they can't be held accountable for much, IMHO. If you need them to maintain separation anywhere, when in VMC, you have no business flying. Closest I've ever come to swapping paint with another plane was in the pattern at a tower-controlled airport. I was not pleased with the controller's performance (all three times!) but in the end it was my fault and the other pilots'.
I have learned from this: avoid controlled airspaces!.
