[a_witness]

OTOH, why couldn't the pilot have a law-enforcement person make a phone call to someone of his choice (not a choice made by the agent)?

He did but he agent became abusive and was so angry both the pilot and the Ops Control manager decided not to board him. A law enforcement witness backed up the pilot's version of events.

[upcountry miss]

If what you say is true, then the pilot was right. In an earlier post, it was stated that the pilot refused to accept the offer of a policeman to make a call. I guess it is just in my nature to look at both sides of any situation before making judgements.