So assuming the xflow was deferred, and they were trying to do a gravity crossflow by throwing fuel around, our MEL states "Gravity crossflow shall not be used for ground/taxi operations."

Now lets assume it was working, why didn't they just start the other engine and then shut down the engine on the low side and burn fuel that way? Seems like some people don't understand systems a little bit and felt like making up their own procedures.

I also know for a fact that they CAN defuel in RDU.