Shadyops:

I couldn't agree with you more. You'll notice that those same captains are the ones that would answer your most thought of questions with the answer "because that's what they want us to do". Ask them who "they" are and why they want us to do what they claim they do and you'll get a blank stare.

It's the same captains that will tell you they don't care how you fly on your leg but will always have some piece of advice to give you because they know it better.

It's the same guys who will always keep the airplane climbing at full climb power when it is crystal clear traffic is converging over head and the TCAS will go off "TRAFFIC, TRAFFIC!". (Boy that gets annoying on those long trips)

It's always the same guys who will tell you who to call, what to push, when to breath, what you are doing with the thrust levers that isn't right and most importantly the ones who will always make sure they pull the thrust levers back on takeoff roll if you pass the carrots by 1.00002% N1. (they are not afraid of engine failures at close to V1 speeds obviously)

Best of all is coming back from a walk around while there's a snow blizzard outside and the head nacho asks you in a giggly fashion ... "It's cold out there isn't it?" while the APU is STILL OFF. CRM

I feel for ya .