This is something very worth keeping in mind: Even if the agreed SOP is to let ground handle issues relating to passengers, cargo and mail up to the point where the door is closed, decisions made outside the direct influence of the PiC during this phase, and perhaps without even keeping him/her informed, may not absolve him/her of legal 'guilt'
Good point...might hopefully even make some airlines reconsider their policies (official or otherwise) regarding keeping Flight Crew "in the loop" during the boarding/loading process...
