I far as I can see Data show some initiative when the Federation net was disrupted by the Romulans. If every officer and/or sergeant was squash every time he/she show any initiative in respond to changes in a combat situation, then we have no one above the rank or private/second lieutenant. The German Army and Waffen SS of World War II would not have last for six years, if their men were not allow to take advantage of a favorable combat situation or react positively to an unfavorable combat situation. The same can be said for the Israeli Army or any other army. Look at how many times Captain Kirk had to take the initiative. At his court-martial, they read off Captain Kirk's decorations including the highest award that Starfleet gave which shows his ability to react to combat situations. In the movie, Wrath of Khan, Captain Kirk explain to the female Vulcan officer how he took the initiative to change the Starfleet program so that he would win. In the end, he got a commendation for original thinking.
If Captain Kirk or Commander Riker were in the same situation, they would have probably done the same thing as Commander Data would have done.
If Captain Kirk or Commander Riker were in the same situation, they would have probably done the same thing as Commander Data would have done.