Binks,
I am sure that you are posting in good faith but I think it is possible that, if there is no AOC, then carrying a non-paying passenger 'along for the ride' is not illegal.
I would also suggest that 'legal and acceptable' are two different judgements.
The ANO is not at all clear and I'd guess that if Mr Adams wished to take action for libel against PPRuNe the lawyers would do very nicely.