Bose-x
How's this for a principle? An aeroplane has to have a pilot in command, if there is more than one pilot on board the owner or operator has to specify who is to fill that role. If you are not suitable to fill the role, either because you are not qualified, not current, not known to the owner/operator or for any other reason the owner thinks fit he is quite entitled to nominate someone else!
You say you don't need the hours, fine but, if you want to fly someone else's aeroplane they make the rules; if you don't like it get your own aeroplane and do what you like!
If you came to my training organisation with your "principles" you'd be leaving again with nothing to write in your logbook!
Happy landings
3 Point