...but I have to question the professionalism of the Pilot-respondents on this Thread whoadmit to having knowingly flown a grossly overweight aircraft
Which ones would that be?
Didn't especially notice any, but then again, might have missed one.
Personally been flying the Hajj flights for quite a long time with L1011 aircraft (nearly all models) and have never found the need to fly overweight.
If the specific flight segment is limiting due to the required fuel uplift requirements, we simply use a technical stop for refueling.
Simple as that.
Besides, the Saudi GACA regularly inspect aircraft, including loadsheets, and have found no irregulatities at our end.
Certainly can't say about other operators, however.
Me thinks you might have duff gen.