If this is true, that the passengers were starting to launch life boats, and the Bridge team was unaware, or dis interested, then that sort of makes the whole picture of who was in charge, what was decided, and when it was decided immaterial.
The management of the vessel was NOT in charge. They abdicated responsibility. Obviously they were unaware of the amount and severity of the damage to the vessel. But, I will say, if I thought my vessel was intact, and somewhat stable, I would not order abandonship either. So this brings the larger question into play. WAS / IS this ship design safe? Is it inherently UNstable? Does it depend upon moveable ballast for its integrity? If this design is found to be actually unstable, what does this say for the whole cruise industry which has dozens of these designed vessels (at least superficially) who would be suspect? For me the question is: Why did the CC list to Starboard and capsize? Especially when she was holed on the Port side, and she was aground on the Stbd. I would hope the RINA investigation is open and forthcoming. But I doubt it will be, and I have never been a real fan of these ship classification societies, since seeing one get bribed (successfully) with a case of scotch.