Made the correct move, knew of a bit more modern freighter that PIC decided to take off with amber break temps and allow extended gear down time to cool the brakes. All went well, never thought of engine out/gear up scenario and a thermal as result. Most likely a few thermals were most likely the most extreme case, all went well.
Worst high energy stop I had ever seen was a 743F just past V1, many tires drug to explosion, the remaining the remaining of the 16 thermaled on the RWY. No fire.
Most likely many old heavy aircraft have taken off with excessive temps.
None the less, crappy to hear of a company taking action against an airman for making a safe decision. Unheard of today!