Mad World
Personally I can't see why the Captain cannot stand up and be counted. To abrogate his command responsibility and make life miserable for this passenger is too crass for words. He is obviously a "yes" man with no sense of leadership in a different situation. Sometimes we need to use Nelsons patch on the stupidity of the rules raher than always protecting our own backside. I would call the behaviour of the crew a disgrace and showing no initiative whatsoever.
We are becoming a nation of idiots. What about the old saying regarding rules being for the "obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men!!"
I know which category the crew of that particular flight belong!!