But I imagine the pressure could still be greater than they anticipate. A mistake in unbolting the flange could have even worse consequences because the force resulting from that could very well knock the whole BoP over and cause the complications to grow exponentially. I mean, I see it as a good potential idea but I also believe they have thought of doing that as well. I could be flat out wrong as I certainly wont pretend to be an oracle, but I do suspect they have more awareness of what can and should work then some people want to believe. To be sure, I think all of us could be overestimating how much we know about what is happening.
No doubt there is a darn good reason for not removing the flange. But it may also be that the planning for this never to into account the flange would be so easily worked on. The cap was being thought out and fabricated days ago. Maybe they are just sticking with their plan. I’m just thinking aloud. No claims whatsoever as to expertise. Far from it! These guys are awesome in my book. Even Fumbles!!