Thanks for you post 88, Top Tup, and my apologies for doubting that you actually DID something. You did! and that is exactly what Jstars friend should do, too. There is no doubt about it.
Jstar, if your friend really fear bodily harm if blowing the whistle, then he should get the hell out of here. The "eat or be eaten" mentality in India does not leave much room for trembling hands, so it is either fight or flight (coming from one, who occasionally gets fired - and later reinstated).
Just this morning my driver said "Here no tough, no life". I think I know what he meant despite my limited Hinglish.
As to the level off at 1700`. No reason to doubt it; just puzzling whether it was a misread clearance (with 3 in the cockpit??) or a freak ATC clearence. BTW, one of the other major airlines here have just introduced the procedure that at least 2 pilots shall hear and understand all ATC clearences. A small step for man, but......
Keep pushing the wall, please.
T