A quick defense of space recpetionism, though I am loathe to do it;
From blakes (or even avon's) view, if you leave the following on the ship what is the outcome
Avon: May just leave
Villa: will be drunk
Gan: be without muscle on the ground, a bit gullible
Jenna: best pilot, best on the ship
Callie: will murder anyone to get you back and continue fighting the federation.
Post shadow I would leave Calli and Jenna on the ship too, that increases my odds of surviving,
Mitch