CM
You are still hung up on this 50/50 decision thing. Let me clear up a few things for you. From my days with a 121 flag carrier the Ultimate and over-riding responsibility was with the aircraft commander, and still is. He may not however override a command that would endanger life.
So it is still the pilots show in the US and this is clearly reflected in pay scales. Having said that, training of dispatchers in the US instills mutual professional confidence that is not found in our country.
Nosig and I have met and discussed this in the past. Formal,regulated and accredited training of operations officers in this country is not only desireable it should also be madatory.
Regards
EM