A fascinating discussion with some interesting views for and against. As stated before my money is on stopping but I still want data!
As a friend of mine often says "without data you've only got opinions".
I have looked and searched many places but there is no hard data that I can find of engine fires in podded engines causing quick structural failure. Similarly how many engines go 'bang' at V1 (or close to it)?
That said you'd look pretty stupid carrying an engine fire into the air when using a take-off alternate. Imagine flying for an hour with an uncontrollable fire....doesn't bear thinking about.
Which why I will still reject the TO when the fire bell rings. Trying to weigh up the alternatives near to V1 is not part of a sensible gameplan to my way of thinking.