Originally Posted by slowjet
Of course the Captain is at risk. Always. HE is the final arbiter and is finally responsible for the safety of his aircraft, contents and crew. Misd-Agin, you need to re-read some of the other posts highlighting this fact. Sign and accept the mission, you enter the lonely world of command. A fearsome responsibility not widely appreciated.
The Captain and the Dispatcher/Operator have joint responsibility for the safety of the flight. As a flight operated under 14 CFR 121, the Captain does not bear this responsibility alone.