Has any airline ever considered a new flying position, let's say "Captain" for arguments sake? Maybe on those days when you can't get throught to Ops or Dispatch to solve your immediate crisis this "Captain" person could make a decision on the flight deck based on experience and judgement while remaining responsible for the safety of the aircraft and its occupants? Bit radical I know, and I don't think it'll ever catch on but it's a hell of an idea.