Discretion
Linedriver,
I think you have got it all wrong. There may be a few Capts. out there who think they are God, but for the most part they are all just professionals trying their best to carry out their duties with due regard to safety, the law, passenger comfort and economic viability of the company.
If Cabin Crew did as you seem to suggest and failed to report safety items it would only further highlight the calibre of cabin crew you work with, and your airline employs.
As was stated earlier, It is at the sole discretion of the Capt. to apply an extension to duty. However, you seem to have missed the point that he still needs agreement of the rest of the crew. (In this case he did not get it, so was forced to cancel the flight.) The rest of the crew however should realize that "No Fly" means No Income for the company, therefore NO JOB!
When will they Learn? Hopefully in their next place of employment!