I can only presume that there is an unwritten 'emergency only' rule privy to senior auths when a highly urgent scenario arises...
I was once enjoying a pre-prandial G&T when the phone rang - an urgent requirement for a 3rd Q tanker launch as the Sovs were getting playful (yes, we had enough serviceable jets back in those days and it was a very 'can do' squadron!). I told the auth that I'd had a few sips, to which he replied "I'm allowed to let you fly as long as you haven't had more than one". I hadn't, he was OK with that, we launched with the very able co-pilot as flying pilot and the Int boys got the first good photos of a Bear Golf as a result.
Agree with you, Stoppers! Man up, wet pants - and don't fix wot ain't broke!