jondc9:
As I am sure you know a pilot has three legal obligations.
1. Duty of Care. That is a common law obligation.
2. CAA Licence.
3. Contractual
That is the legal framework in which I as a Captain discharge my responsibilities. No number four marked CNN/BBC.
I fundamentaly disagree with your assertion that a pilot a must also be "public relations expert". BA pay me a wage to fly their aeroplanes their way. So long as I take care of 1, and 2 above, then I will do as 3 asks. If that gets BA into hot water with the press, that is BA's problem.
If a situation exists outside the "book" then I will do my best. Do what I believe to be firstly safe, and secondly commercial. In that order. No thirdly "What will look good in the press".
BA will defend any Captain to the hilt, and have done so, so long as they have complied with 1,2 and 3 above. To invent a fourth will have you hung out to dry.