[pifm_guy]

I assume that, while dragon was designed originally for 7, since the design has been changed to 4 people that other things have been adjusted that mean 7 is no longer an option. For example, the parachutes might be slightly smaller for the reduced expected weight. Or the environmental system can only deal with the heat, moisture and co2 of 4 astronauts not 7.

[rrmm]

Yeah, I imagine the conversation as more of a "could we make this work if we had no other choice" sort of thing. I don't imagine it would be considered under anything other than a dire emergency.

I don't think NASA would have a problem having fewer seats available for egress than crew for a short time as long as they were moving to rectify it.