Have a look at this:
http://www.nlr.nl/id~5114/lang~en.pdf
There is often confusion among pilots how to interpret the maximum
demonstrated crosswind component as given in the aircraft flight manual and in
the aircraft operating manual. A recent survey amongst 81 airline pilots of 5
operators done by the Germany accident investigation board BFU gave some
interesting facts about this problem. When the BFU gave the scenario of a
maximum demonstrated crosswind component of 33 kts. gusting 38 with a
actual wind gusting up to 40 kts., 40% of the pilots replied that landing is
permitted if gusts were not perceived as operationally relevant, 36% replied
landing is not permitted because the gust would exceed operational limits of the
aircraft, 20% said landing is permitted because gusts are irrelevant for crosswind
computations as only steady wind counted, and 4% had no idea. On the
question what is the practical meaning in normal flight operations of the term
“demonstrated crosswind” in the aircraft operating manual, 50% replied that it is
a limit, 47% replied it is guidance, and 3% did not know. (from:
http://www.nlr-atsi.com/eCache/ATS/14/919.pdf )