I disagree Cyrus... It's got nothing to do with driving experience... It's common sense for one and secondly, "following to closely" is illegal and learnt when studying for your learners...
Hosh has apologised and thats great... But he shouldn't have been there in the first place. He was not prepared (no radio) and more than likely won't be welcome on any further cruises...
I for one would be just as cranky as Charly in the same situation...
Pretty certain the rules here in QLD say no higher than the top of the steering wheel... Either way, I've never been pulled up for it, even during RBT's / speeding tickets nothing has been said, and it in no way obstructs my view...