We agree completely, I'm sure, but regarding 'minimum fuel' - it has ALWAYS been decided for the crew for as long as pilots have been flight planning, and not by 'bean-counters'. In civil life it is the 'fuel required' figure on the PLOG. As stressed many times above, of course the PIC can increase that.
I once experienced a PIC who wanted to reduce it, but was dissuaded by it being pointed out he would need a new F/O.................
