In the GOM, things are run by the dispatchers & field foremen. Their only interest is in getting things done quickly and cheaply. The standard scenario is for the dispatcher or foreman to push the pilots to fly no matter what, and only back down if the pilots firmly refuse. They don't consider the possibility of an accident, they just want to get the flights done as soon as possible. I've been pushed to fly well before daylight, by companies whose written policies clearly prohibited it. There is very little active oversight by management or safety personnel over the dispatchers or foremen. It takes a strong personality to refuse a flight, knowing that you risk being removed from the job for doing so, even though the customer's official policy prohibits the flight. The written policies of the customers are simply eyewash, written to protect them from lawsuits. In actual practice, they push and push with impunity.
I know nothing about this particular flight, I'm just speaking of things in general from long experience.