This.

We're perfectly used to seeing agents relying on Timatic and understanding of internal company policies. On very rare occasions, when a passenger clearly doesn't understand what's being asked of them because of a language barrier, I've pointed to the piece of paperwork in their hand that the agent wants to speed the process up, and only then if it's absolutely clear the other passenger is seeking external help. I can think of much less than a handful of occasions when I've felt it appropriate to do this.

I've never, ever been consulted by an agent on what to do, I wouldn't expect to be, and nor would I think I had more knowledge than him or her. I simply cannot conceive why, when there's potentially the chance of a fine from Border Force or a EC261 claim for IDB, and a consequent reprimand, why an agent would even want a passenger involved.

Ever more curious, indeed.