My response concerning the flight crew being a victim had nothing to do with the point you highlighted it had to do with the statement that more and more th crew was a victim of circumstance. which in my mind was trying to lessen the responsibility that the CA had for ensuring that he was taking off from the right runway in this case.

I understood and at some level probably agree with his asertion that no ca has full an effective authority... but he does when it comes to how the aircraft is handled while "under" power... that is all.

We have exhausted this subject in my opinion and really I dont think we are all that far off in how we feel. It is what it is, and mistakes were made on at least two levels. What I do think is wrong is to marginalize the responsibility the CA ( or aircraft commander for military types ) takes when he "signs" for the aircraft. In no way do I believe they are super-heroes with super abilities, but that doesnt make the captain of any flight less responsible for what happens to that aircraft and its occupants.

Safe flying to all.