"There simply isn't enough margin on bucket-and-spede tickets to allow for aircraft to carry an abundance of fuel each trip 'just in case'."
Says who? On routes down to the Balearics and Iberian Peninsula there is plenty of capacity to cart additional fuel if so desired, and we have full authority to take what we feel is suitable when the conditions dictate, NO QUESTIONS!
Don't think a captain's right to carry more fuel
if required ever came into question? We are at cross purposes.