Folks,
Flex/derate/redu take-offs produce significant savings in engine maintenance and are a practical commercial solution. Bean counters and ops managers should be as one, both on the benefits and on the circumstances that those at the potential accident site may choose to trade the financial benefits for the safety benefits.
Alas, in my experience the OEM part power predictions do not always give me the confidence that I need that the marginal engine will produce the goods when I want it. My very true friends, the engine specialists, are as equally dedicated as am I to a favourable outcome. The very good ones understand that they will always be spectators to a failure of the engine manufacturer's performance guarantees and therefore accept that my need for rated thrust comfort on a sensible timeframe has people management benefits that far exceed the small cost attributable to a weekly full power check.
Yes, I also used to love the total conversion of kerosene to heat and noise without regard to cost. I am older now and appreciate that the joys of my youth may well have exceeded what the community could afford to pay in the long term for my youthful exuberance. There is always a two way street and there is always a need for balance.
Stay alive,