Here is where a recognition of training and performance must be addressed. This was a commercial flight, not a test flight, it was flown by demonstrably qualified crew. Perhaps "overqualified". There were conditions at play here that cannot be made comfortable, and foreclose the "old bold" pilot from success. Lack of preparation is rampant, the need to please the customer is an unnecessary companion, etc.
One wonders if it was a low time Captain who was flying, mightn't he decline the manouveur? Something like, "You're kidding, right?". Artificial pressure is dangerous, Always dangerous.
bear