Doors: I understand the philosophy behind the thinking, but IMHO 1000' and a calm severe clear day, long runway, is more than overly 'on the safe side'. Regarding the story quoted; a GA is made, minimum reserve full in the tanks, radar round SE England and now number 6 in sequence. Which is safer, land the thing or end up fretting? Is commander's discretion (common sense) so frowned upon? I suppose a strong minded captain could invoke deviation from an SOP in light of a flight safety issue: landing at 1500' on a 10,000' runway or be floating around the skies of London with only 40mins fuel. Just a bar-room discussion; nothing more.