Regarding the back seat, it doesn't supprise me to hear that Faulty Towers won't give an answer. They never do in grey areas.....
When I did my CPL, non students were not allowed in the back, even ex students with CPL/IR's.
I can't see the problem myself, but technically the person in the back is getting an AEF.
I start my FIC in Sept, so I don't know their take on this matter, or indeed my employer when I start, but I will raise it for my own back covering.