I've stated in a previous post about the over-reliance on 'puters and the clearly less than acceptable standard of manual flight.
It's the stunningly cavalier attitude that many of you have towards the actions of the check "pilot" that really gets me!
Akindofmagic's point still stands - the thought that the check "pilot"'s actions were anything other than grounds for dismissal - regardless of the wx conditions or his experience or any other factor you may feel is relevant - is dangerously over-confident, illegal and completely at odds with normal airliner operations - fact.
There can be no grey area here, it's black and white. It's about how to legally/safely operate an aircraft - experimenting with CB's in a serviceable aircraft when travelling as a passenger(!) doesn't even begin to fit into either category.
Sabenaboy - I do agree with your points about SOPs, there is flex - they don't and can't possibly cater for every situation. Thankfully most of us are capable of independent thought.