Re the PIC being liable discussion, the PIC is also responsible for complying with other Parts such as 61 and 91.
A simple example could be a pilot not wearing reading glasses while exercising the privileges of his/her licence, if it’s a condition on the PICs licence, or not having a spare pair of glasses in their possession whist flying. Who’s responsible for this, the PIC or operator? Certainly the PIC and maybe also the AOC holder, depending on how one interprets the rules I guess.