It was Queeg's paranoia that was his downfall, not an insistence on excellence.

It was also Queeq's substandard performance.

Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Caine_Mutiny

Yep, he ran his ship aground, and vigorously undermined his officers' authority. I love that book and everything else Wouk wrote.

I need to read Wouk’s other books. I’ve read Caine Mutiny three times, Winds of War once, and that’s it. Which should I read next?

Easy choice given that list: War and Remembrance.

Winds of War was an entertaining read but wow -- depressing in a way that stuck with me for a long time. As intended, I'm sure. Wouk wrote some very dramatic scenes.

Yes! Statements like this showed Queeg's focus on appearances and compensating for his own insecurity, compared to the competence and quiet confidence of Captain DeVriess.