Yes, they can only game it if it's close.

In this case he *should* have been able to refuse due to the time out, RON into day off scenario.

The problem is they don't give you the option to refuse. If you do that, and they don't accept it gracefully, then you had damn well better be right about the (nebulous and ever changing) policy or you could be in a world of hurt. Puts you in a tough position. Especially since you'll need to rely on SAPA to back you up.

Flat out refusing to fly without sick/emer/fatigue could get you fired. I'd venture that if you have any previous history, it will get you fired.

Willing to bet your career on something RJ said in conference call last year?