Here's an actual lab rat for you guys to dissect: [snipped]

Who paid for the flight? My understanding is that if the pilot takes another
person, then that other person MAY NOT contribute more than 1/2 (her pro-rata
share) for the flight. Key here is who the FAA would consider the "pilot" and
who is actually paying for the flight. If they differ, you're in jack.

Jose

--
(for Email, make the obvious changes in my address)