The American Eagle ATR captain who returned back to DFW and got fired for refusing to do the flight comes to mind. He had his career day and was terminated. Later sued amr and won. His defense mostly rested on the company’s and faa’s own guidelines: Captain has final authority. Courts have time and time again sided with this.

I would rather hang my hat on that, than be subject to a company inquiry for what will be a presumption of guilt for perceived negligent aircraft operation. This is their default attitude to any and all anomalies, regardless of circumstance legal or not.