Empty Cruise - very valid argument. Didn't think of it that way. Next time when the debate comes up again I'll mention that as it makes perfect sense.
The other debate is that the company does not want us to engage the prop brake while engine number two is still running. SOPs order us to shut the engine down normally and then to engage the prop brake with the auxilary hydraulic pump. This all to save wear and tear on the brake assembly. In my view this draws quite a bit of power from the battery as the pump runs for 30secs on battery power. This in turn causes the first engine to start hotter than normally.
Anyway, so much for meat and potatoes. Thanks for your input.