A windshear alert does not equal a microburst alert. They have different affects on the operation. If you are an RAH pilot isn't this addressed in your FOM? Or is your airline still in the learning phase? I would hope that these are simulator scenarios for you guys.

You mentioned all the planes that departed....Did they crash or report unsafe conditions once airborne? Here is something that might surprise you...Perhaps they were taking windshear precautions (V1 up to RWY Limit, Opt Flap, Max EPR etc) listening to what was broadcast by TWR, using the Predictive Windshear System on board the aircraft and safely flying in away to their destination. Meanwhile, back at the ranch an RAH pilot was trying to decide if what took place was legal. You really have to know the rules to know if it was legal right?