This is a great step backward, there needs to be, at all times a single person in charge of the Aircraft. That person, is by definition, company policy and global law the Captain.
Following up an earlier post lets consider the authority of the captain as seen by passengers too.
In the old days how much of the captain's authority was underwritten by the glamour, mystery and prestige of being in charge of large jets?
Also, compared to today there were fewer passengers understanding the principles of flight and airline procedures?
In contrast most flights today are occupied by a greater percentage of more seasoned travelers who have a reasonable understanding of
a) basics of how the aircraft is configured and takes flight.
b) of how airlines operate and manage flights and crew
c) accidents and their aftermath, thanks to you tube and the net.
So it seems logical to assume that over time passengers will become more savvy and also more vocal if they smell a rat vis-a-vis cockpit announcements of the pull the wool variety.
If so, does it follow that CC will find it more problematic to take command of passengers in a true emergency?
Mickjoebill