Dear Captain Airclues,
I agree with your 'flying ahead of the aircraft'. As a matter of fact, I do keep note and check time from to time, about the things you mentioned. But I do not check the maximum altitude when terrain is not a factor, as I don't see any immediate need. But of course, that's not a bad idea. And also, whether anyone like it or not, accepting an altitude, has to be by the decision of the captain. And 'standby', just seems to be pretty standard to me, before the PIC nods or shakes his head.
The reason the airplane climbed up to 410, with A/T and A/P engaged under VNAV, was because the captain changed CG to 27%, after he found out 23% doesn't work.
If the CG is 22%-23% by experience(please don't get me wrong, I do look up to your experience and I trust that), should we change it to 27% just to receive higher FLs from FMC?
I'll have to think more about my CRM skills, although I always keep low profie whenever I can, not to think poorly of myself, but I think that helps in most communication enviroments.
Once again, thank you all
Tony