411A... I think your reply is a bit old fashioned. It indeed takes two to tango. My job as an FO is not just to sit next to the captain and learn from his infinite wisdom, but to be an active crewmember.
I never questioned the guys 4th stripe, I only questioned him when he deviated from SOPs... or are you saying that he should be allowed to do that, just because he's the boss??
I feel it as MY airplane as well, when flying, just as they are MY pax as well and MY cabin crew. The only things I express with stating that is my teamspirit and a little sense of responsibility.
I agree with you that an airplane is not a democracy, but I think an aircrew should be a team to work properly. If you have to win a discussion just because you have the most stripes on board.... think again.
P77