I am not for a moment suggesting that the number of passengers presented a weight issue, or indeed was in any way a contributory factor to the accident occurring. It was certainly a big contributory factor to the scale of the consequences of the accident though.....
I am not wanting to sound like a killjoy, not least as I would still be in the queue for a passenger flight if I could, but once you get beyond a handful of occasional passengers, you start to take on a far enhanced duty of care. The reasons why AA or BA could not and would not operate B17 flights should apply to warbird operators if they wish to engage in the routine transportation of numerous fare paying members of the public..
I am a passionate supporter of warbird flying, but there needs to be a sense of realism regarding what it is appropriate to require old aircraft to do. I would respectfully submit that organised commercial passenger carrying operations are quietly shelved.