I also wish / would like to know whether someone recorded the exact wording that was conveyed, to the airline staff, and to the passengers, and by whom.
The numerous recountings by passengers give the strong impression that this was anything but "voluntary".
But since no one bothered to assert their rights (I'm sure it would have been mentioned), we'll never know how a court might have interpreted the situation (or whether the agents would have done the right thing and backed down - but who am I kidding?).
I also wish / would like to know whether someone recorded the exact wording that was conveyed, to the airline staff, and to the passengers, and by whom.
The numerous recountings by passengers give the strong impression that this was anything but "voluntary".