alouette3
Decision making and airmanship must include operating within the rules. Some rules do have a safety case, and can be used to justify a no-go decision to an owner.
And a pilot low on experience may need to be guided more by the rules, and this thread by clarifying the rules may even prevent a future accident.
In my experience owners are more satisfied when they get specific information, and a pilot may have more confidence in his no-go decision if it can be backed up with specifics.
Accident reports will always mention any non compliances. So without doubt the decision making process includes is it legal? and is it safe? Both are important.