Schrodingers Cat,
I agree with your very astute observation. As to your second point, let me hazard a guess:
Dr R said:
"I regretfully have to inform you that the terms offered to me by Cathay Pacific Airways for the renewal of my contract were totally unacceptable and failed to give satisfactory assurance regarding the independence of Aviation Medicine within the company that is essential for the maintenance of professional integrity and aviation safety."
Dr R seems to have chosen his words very carefully. We can only speculate on what they mean. Most seem to think that it involves a severe attack of "Quality".
Say, for example, that if a lot of pilots called in too sick to fly. But, an AME under the control of Rose-tinted glasses decided that they were in fact fit to fly.
Possibly if a pilot knew in advance that his doctor was controlled by Rose-tinted glasses then he might decide that there would be no point in consulting his doctor and just fly sick.
Maybe a Rose-tinted controlled doctor might not be able to prescribe the expensive medical tests or specialist consultations that he believes are warranted if a Rose-tinted person determines that a cheaper alternative could be substituted.
Would any of that pose the flight safety hazard to which Dr R refers?