In a democracy, the people's representatives do decide, in general terms, what is acceptable, not airline pilots. They have one vote like anyone else. That is clearly demonstrated by some noise abatement procedures that may not suit pilots.
In the event an aircraft is stricken on take-off or climb-out there may be no option but to continue over dense populations. And crash onto people, as Concorde did.
In the event of a damaged aircraft from any aerodrome needing to land promptly there may be choices. That is a simple fact. To repeat myself, like it or not, the people on the ground do have an interest, and, in a general sense, a say.
Happily severely damaged aircraft don't request or demand to overfly London or other conurbations regularly. Because, I suggest, it would not be acceptable.
As far as cowls being opened and latches left unlocked are concerned, how idiot-proof must fasteners or routine procedures be?