It would appear "El Capitan" has made an error in judgment. The FAR's in the US clearly state you may not take off with snow or ice adhering to the wing. To not mention it to him AND not report it is unconscienable. Endangering passengers , crew and innocent people on the ground is the furthest thing from professional. For another crew to stand by and say nothing is nearly criminal. If there had been a bad result and the Captain lived , he would have been charged in most countries with manslaughter or murder. There is no harm in de-icing , there is great potential for harm in not de-icing with snow on the wing.