I gave that first example to help clarify for TillerEnvy that the jumpseat is not automatically included as a non-rev benefit when you can't get a seat in the cabin. Just because an employee meets the non-rev dress code, doesn't mean that it's good enough to be seated in the flightdeck jumpseat if the cabin fills up.

I did something close to this once on my own express carrier. I was non-revving home in a un-tucked collared shirt, shorts, and athletic shoes. The cabin seats fill up, so I request the jumpseat. I get out to the plane, and just as I'm about to be seated in the jumpseat, the gate agent comes onboard and tells me I can't sit in the cockpit dressed in shorts. Luckily, there was a deadheading company pilot in uniform seated in the cabin who swapped seats with me so I could continue on my way and not get left at the gate. But overall, you're quite correct. If you really need to get where you're going, wear first-class attire or better yet your uniform!