Please take note that although Mr. Crane did shoot the correct shot (under the circumstances), he DID LOSE the first exchange. Mr. Balsis did get the first shot, and pocketed a ball (though he got stuck). The problem with the foul shot, is that frequently it produces no threat balls, and you end up right were you started...If you try to speed the shot up, you risk sliding off the rack. This shot is not as sure of a thing as some imply.
Shooting the back of the stack foul is something I do, but not very frequently. It depends heavily on the table. If I suspect there is a roll, or if I'm tight on the cushion in the spot Mr. Crane was, then sure. If I'm off the cushion, on a good, true table, there are other options, depending on the cueballs exact location. If you are located more to the side, there is a 1-rail with english to the back of the stack, that can actually be a legal safe. With a tight rack there isn't as much risk as one would think, though it requires practise and speed control. As this is shot with a faster speed, threat balls will emerge almost every time, so it's a good shot, even if you foul. Freezing to the top of the stack is a viable shot on a good rack and table, especially if you are close, but not from the rail or long distance. This is why you must ALWAYS read the rack before safeties of any nature.
As far as the OP is concerned, I like the shot and shoot it when it comes up at 9, 10 and 8 ball. Never in a million years would I shoot it in 14.1. Good on you for pulling it off.