Any one left alive on a ship is in command, regardless of their qualifications. Intuitive feelings don't carry any weight in Law. How the FTF decides to share the risk is their Call. They are the ones who can lose their House. Same as when you hire a car. You can choose to cover the excess, OR be liable for it. IF you don't like it go somewhere else. THAT's how it works. RAA can't over rule you either. You are MANAGING the risk in the Normal way. That's your right. Nev