There's a complicated-ish formula for the B747 of variable acceptable cleared width to allow for the wing mounted engines. There are different weight limitations depending on type and depth of contamination as well. I remember for the 747, certain conditions give a weight penalty of 75 tonnes as well as using special tables! It may well be that other types don't have such data which would lead other types pilots to conclude an illegal operation was taking place. I'm interested in the remarks here about comments being made over the radio, and Bitmorerightrudder advised that
<<Well the knives were out for the captain in question when I got to work on Monday, >>
....so where was 'work' and who had the knives out? If Captain Ryanair acted appropriately, is he ever owed some apologies by quite a few people!