The object of this thread was not the discussion of ones sensibilities with respect to when it may be OK to intentionally overload an aircraft but rather to the discuss the potential dangers of over loading an aircraft. The thread addresses by title "The Dangers of Overloading" and goes on to specifically ask if this is a problem in commercial work. There are two basic elements to the question, physical damage to the machine and potential liability. Physical damage may be categorized as either immediate obvious physical damage (wrinkled skin) or a more insidious reduction in aircraft and or component life. In either case both can be addressed if the overload situation is documented. Additional concerns surround potential legal or regulatory issues. I know of one instance where an EMS base was threatened with shut down for a 1KG error in the weight and balance computations due to an error when transferring empty weight information from the RFM to the weight and balance computer. There was no actual record of the aircraft ever being flown in an overloaded condition but to quote the FAA Operations Inspector the PIC could not actually ascertains the actual weight of his aircraft. In addition to shutting the operation down the PIC was informed that his certificate privileges may be revoked.