Originally Posted by
bill fly
... I imagine that the affected astronauts might well have a word to say on their own behalf...
You mean like in "The Right Stuff": "
We are the best and most well trainined astronauts and test pilots in the world and even our little children can fly this thing home with one hand only and blindfolded and with 3 of 24 thrusters operational..."
It is not the 1960ies any more. After the two Space Shuttle accidents, both with ample pre-warning, no official can grant permission for that return mission unless there is a 99,9% chance of success. Especially when there is a safe alternative.