Bluenose - no I wasn't at those meetings, I was busy rescuing people which I find far more interesting and challenging than committees
Your standpoint is one of semantics since if the ARRCK says go and the MCA says no, where are we with a joined up UK SAR response?
I would suggest that the situation will never arise so although I take your word for it that opcon might not have been formally ceded, to all intents and purposes it has been.
I am guessing you are MCA or ex-MCA from your comments and standpoint but don't blame the RAF because your contractor provided something that wasn't compatible with existing ARCCK equipment. I would suggest that an interim contract should strive to integrate with the existing elements rather than break new ground without support.
If there is posturing and politics in the runup to SARH, just remember it was driven, to a great extent, by the MCA's desire to emulate the USCG and have control over all the aviation assets.