To what extent is the captain free to invent his or her own procedures, do his or her own thing?
Unfortunately, many captains that I fly with, think it is their perogative to do whatever they want, and they don't want to hear any comment from the FO.
In their eyes, a good FO is supposed to sit their, be quiet, and go along with them with whatever they do.
Any comments, remarks, advice, criticism, suggestions are firmly rebuffed.