On the topic of HP 44's extension, I'm under the impression that the problem in 117 is the the PIC (not the individual pilot) makes the call as to fitness, which leaves the fatigue call as the only "approved" option to refuse the flight.

I don't know if Delta's pre-extension policy is legal, and I strongly object to it, but it was policy, and you can see how it combined with the FAR language to make the crew find that the path to least resistance went through the air. I heard other discussions, where first officers went along with Captains that were only interested in their own fitness. Fortunately, on a day where many of these discussions took place, I was flying with an APC regular, who consulted with me first, and simply called sched to tell them we weren't extending. EOS.

Enter the latest LOA...

The new language requires concurrence by both pilots to extend. It's more restrictive than 117, and it removes the extra pressure on the FO. So if HP 44's story occurs before the effective date of that change in the LOA, it highlights a benefit gained. If the story takes place afterwards, he needs to study his contract more.