I have to ask GG. What is the primary display of power indication in a constant speed equipped aircraft ?
In any take-off the pilot has to be satisfied the engine is making power.
This engine most certainly was not and he would have been well aware that the aircraft was still on the ground at the normal lift-off point.
So not only did he ignore the available instrumentation but he chose not to abort the take-off and instead persevere with what he had available.
He was very lucky to get off as lightly as he did.
Alligator representatives at the hearing said they could not defend the indefensible. The judge did not believe removing the pilot from flying was the fix to some of the culture issues.