I doubt it.
They certainly shouldn’t.
But who knows how this thing will unfold.

If anyone (airline, FAA, press…) buys the argument story. They should be grounded and on the streets for being so ignorant as to ignore where they were. And I don’t just mean where they were over the ground.

If it comes out that they admit they fell asleep. Then they should be grounded and on the streets for making up the BS argument story in the first place.

Their best bet would have been to admit to (or even make up that they did) falling asleep and subjecting the whole incident for pilot fatigue studies.
Making up a story about an argument, much less actually having one that took you so far off your responsibilities, are both grounds for dismissal in my book.

I just can not grasp that they missed their destination due to a heated debate over airline policy. Or anything for that matter. Talk about total complacency.
Even if you’re having a knock-down drag-out over it, you’re still awake and conscious of the fact that you are in charge of where you are and what you need to do. Sorry - I’m not buying the argument story.

If I had to bet, I’d for sure go with they fell asleep.
CVR might help solve it. Might not.
I’ve sat in a few FAA/Pilot “interrogations”. They can get pretty nasty.
I think one of these guys (probably the right seat.) will crack and admit they both fell asleep. At least I hope so.

If you were at a small table by the door of a quaint little restaurant, having the most heated debate with your worst enemy over anything. You’d still know where you were and what was around you. If not…Yikes. Hope you’re not a pilot.

__________________
1980 300D - Veggie Burner !