Without getting into detail, I'm SURE this PIC was terminated for more than this one event. The door operation without assist is not a major problem. Letting it slam to the ground, in my opinion, IS. If you are able to get hold of ops prior to arrival, having two ramp agents open it is an excellent plan. Terminating a PIC because he wouldn't fly an aircraft with no APU, is wrong. It's not really the flying that's an issue, but that pesky 2+ hour taxi in Jfk in 100*, that's the safety issue. These sh$tboxes are uncomfortable as is, pack 50 piggys in there and it's horrible. NO APU on hot days don't bother coming to my gate in Ny. Weighing the Pro's and Con's is our jobs.. Managng risk. CA and FO's alike. On a side note I hope he comes back to Comair and takes an early out, that would be perfect!!!!!