homeguard.
The example you quote is not ferry flying, it is illegal public transport and the guy deserved to be prosecuted and is exactly the reason the rules exist.
If you want to be paid in any form for air taxi work then become a Commercial Pilot and meet the requirements of the law. This protects you and the passengers.
I know of at least one person on this forum who bends the rules in the manner suggested at least once a year........
But what we are talking about here is clearly ferrying an aircraft not people on behalf of another person and is not commercial work. Now if the owner asked you to drop aunt nelly off at the destination at the same time we have crossed the boundary.