Union Goon,
How would I feel if I had to tread a fine line?......
Well, let me just say that as a former pilot for an FAR 121 Carrier, I resigned because so much pressure was put on me to complete flights with an unairworthy a/c...
The most recent example of this was when I reviewed the a/c logbook prior to a flt from DTW to CVG and I realized no oil had been put in any of the (3) JT8-D's for 7 days.
What brought this fact to my attention was the contract mechanic on site saying he wasn't going to sign off the daily or a/w check, as there was no oil or skydrol available to him to service the a/c.
The company decided the (P)F/E could do a "one time" sign off. I advised the PFE (a mate of mine) that if he were to do this I wanted to see him inspect the bits that were supposed to be inspected, and by the way, add some oil.
He declined the invitation to put his name on the line, and as a result I resigned. (long story short).
The answer to this age old question is to talk with your feet. It may not help you, but may save the next guys life...