@Onetrack
The Captains closest friend has expressed his opinion that the Captain was a fine, honorable individual, and he would fly anywhere with him. He said nothing about him being a hothead - which he would need to be to fit your scenario.
In the interview that friend said he knew Capt for 2 years and had not seen the sim in the basement - but implied he was aware of it. For someone at 57 a friendship of 2 years sounds rather brief - a relatively new acquaintance.