I am wondering what the situation would have been if the involved parties were the other way around (a US registered and operated airline flying from the UK to the US on 3 engines and CAA investigating the matter). The question covers the authorities as well as PPRuNeRs.
Also (this has been referred to before) what would have been the case if the aircraft involved was operated by the national airline of a country with a not so well regulated industry.
BTW I like the argument about having one dear on the aircraft.