Uncertain about the accuracy of any of this. Mechanic told a long story. Not sure how he would know so much regarding ATC but the jist of it was the crew asked to deviate and ATC said "unable due to traffic". Like Carl was saying -The crew had emergency authority but apparently did not use it. They continued on course. - that will probably be the lesson here.

Any Mad dog management pilots online today? Confirm or deny this hail incident?