holden,
I was never put into that situation. However bad weather and the word 'no go' are part of flying 101, that applies to a Cessna 150 as well as a B747-400.
As far as pressure on other crew, Yes, most were fuel related. Dispatch with minimum fuel to Europe in winter where common place. Asking for more fuel could get you in trouble, you would need a better reason than just the word 'good judgement'.
Equipment safety, in my days, SIA used to have several questionable B747-200F aircraft that were dumped by FEDEX. They had so many MEL stickers one could qualify them as Christmas decoration.