I find it rather strange that the writer believes that flight deck crew have a greater knowledge of weight and balance than groundstaff. In nearly 40 years of working for a major airline I can tell you they do not. They do investigate load control as part of their command training so that, in theory, they can prepare a loadsheet if no specialist is available. Competent load control staff were well trained in the "old" days and expected to have a depth of knowledge.