the point is that where a buck is involved rules can be manipulated by operators like the orange one and the regulators just fall into line.
We are talking about commercial avaition. The buck is ALWAYS involved. That is why we have jobs. The airline is not just set up to give us all something to do during the week you know.
The rule is not being "manipulated" it is being complied with to the letter. Rules are not made in a vacuum, the operators all have input via industry lobby groups.
Anyway, back to AUSTRALIA. Can anyone recall an evacuation with slides at any time in Australia or New Zealand? I would love to read the report on how it went.