If the rumours supplied thus far are accurate then it is a sad state of affairs that after all these years HOFO Commanders still carry the gene that makes them ignore the limits and rules at the most critical phase of flight. All in the belief that they are "helping" the client and their Company.
As the Century rolled over and the new breed of tosspot operational managers appeared, I cannot count how many times I stood my ground to avoid flying in lightning, thunderstorms and weather below the limits. Around me at the time operated those brave Commanders who did not believe the rules applied to them and they were "getting the job done".
The Job, is to follow the rules, apply the limits and fly on when both requirements are in compliance.
If, and it is an if, the OM in this case was correctly drafted, and these rumours prove to be true, the Commander should carry the can for this.