That he was still somehow "protected"?
Psychologically, I agree. However, law change should have alerted him to lost protections.
The PNF, once again features, based on CVR audio. HE appears to have sussed the situation out, but did not assert his observations.
This is going 'round in circles. However, the PNF took control for a few seconds and the PF re-assumed control in an unethical manner.
This, to me, smacks of an ego clash - remember, the PF's wife was onboard.
I agree (from what we know) that the captain did not assign authority accurately.