HOS,
What does the FTL say - or are you too lazy to look it up.
You know when you dutied in and when you dutied out... Quote the section and then come back and make your case FFS.
The Flight Crew told you that you were legal within 45 mins. They didnt make the rules nor did they like being on duty that long either ...BUT the skipper made the call based on his experience.
Get a life...
f.