I think two of your points are contradictory.
Dawson being not at his best, at the same time as our most senior central defender also being so.
Of course if your senior central defender has a nightmare, the keeper is going to be under a lot more pressure.
I personally think this game was a time for arms around shoulders, not, "you're out of the side" instantly for a keeper who could be a big player for us again in the division above.
It's easy to give Flint a day off given who is fit - I don't think delivering bad news to both of them is totally needed.