The old HKG airport was another where some ships made a difference (runway 13) with obstacle clearance, on departure.
And, while you were checking the performance, don't forget to brief and properly setup that back course localizer departure.
On a cool day in a small 'Bus the UAL pilot was probably more worried about legality than safety in this case. Sometimes you know you can do something, like a takeoff from an intersection behind one for which you have data but you don't do it if you lack the documentation. As time goes on, I find I make fewer judgment calls and follow the path laid by the paperwork even if it does not seem optimal. Flying at large outfits like UAL is very much a CYA exercise these days IMHO.