Leady,
the problem lies in semantics over what many flight manuals actually contain.
"Normal Operating PROCEDURES"...or checklists???
An examination of a typical Cessna Citation flight Manual, the Flight Manual heading is "Normal Operating Procedures"..
Doesn't say anything about "Checklist".
One would assume therefore that what is contained in the FM are procedures required for the safe operation of the aircraft.
There are generally instruction on how to conduct a take off or a landing.
The procedure looks like a checklist...is CAsA seriously going to suggest that an FO is going to read and expect a response while the aircraft is howling down the runway, or flaring to land??? of course not!! but CAsA only half accept the hypothesis that what the flight manual heading suggests are procedure lists, never the less they insist that the rest is actually a checklist.
The micro management of aircrew by CAsA via the "Opinion" of FOI's, where PIC's are required to Fly to a Script, dictated by an FOI, is inherently dangerous and will ultimately lead to an accident.
But of course CAsA will not be liable, the poor old CP who accepted the Bullying of the FOI and instituted procedures he knew were unsafe carries the can.
Maybe that's why there is a marked reluctance of people prepared to accept a CP role.