Overrated? Underrated?

Everyone knew that large, slow-flying bombers would be vulnerable to fighter attack. We needed a big plane with a bomb load and range capable of hitting targets in Europe. The design had to be simple because mass production was planned. The B-17 was the right plane at that time. The airframe designed from 1934 specifications lasted through the war. Mr. Smoler seems to have mistaken wartime propaganda for “designers’ claims.” What did he want them to call the B-17, the Flying Coffin?