Payton's decision to on-side kick: Is it only a good call because it worked?

Th media would have still buried Payton for making the call if it was not successful. Hell, they buried Mike Tomlin for the exact same thing against Green Bay, and the Packers front line was also backing up when the onside ball was kicked. In fact, it should have been successful had a Steeler not touched the ball before he had to (i.e. 10 yards), yet most still buried Tomlin. I realize the Steelers had the lead at the tim, but the same principle existed . . . they both wanted their offense to have the ball.