Just to be clear here, please read OM-1 3.7.7. It is on the bottom of page 46 of chapter 3 and on page 406 of the PDF available on ag365.org. I won't copy/paste the language to a public forum. However, it states in no uncertain terms that the ONLY time you may depart VFR is if it is not possible to get a clearance from an operating ATC facility. Even then, there are conditions that need to be met. The only place that this is the case in our system is the Bahamas. This is not a grey area.

Is it really worth risking your certificates over a few minutes? Besides, like Salukipilot said you're getting paid by the minute to fly the airplane the way the company wants you to. So why not take the extra few minutes to do exactly that?