It seems it ought to be fair to ask flight service for the meaning
and interpretation of FARs so pilots have a better chance of complying.

It's not his job to interpret regulations. It's his job to be an expert
on weather.

I understand your point, Roy. But I have had discussions with briefers, on
ocasion, where the discussion has gone something like: Me, "Doesn't look good
between here and there", Him, "it looks like it is lessening to the east, if
you wait half an hour and "fly a curve" it looks better" etc. You may say he
is just giving weather info but I feel we are having a discussion that helps me
reach my decision.


Yes, I've had that too. But in these cases they are still in their area of
expertise (weather) and not legalities. The only time legalities gets into it
is when I ask about "legal alternates". Then they help find alternates that
match the (easy to interpret) legal requirements.

Jose

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