Whether or not money changed hands in strict accordance with the private cost sharing regulations or not, it does not mean that said flight was any more unsafe than a bonafide charter. Plenty of legal charters have crashed too. I think some are missing the essential point. Is the aircraft and pilot safe? Will the intended flight be able to be completed safely given weather, fuel, load, time, daylight, terrain etc. If in doubt don't go. Same same for a charter as well. My 2 cents.