I don't think there's too many people that could possibly withstand listening to a movie at 100dB, nevermind 110dB. I'm sure the average level didn't stay above 95dB before it started cutting out, so listening damage is unlikely.
Every now and then if I'm watching a live DVD of a band I like, I may get caught up in the moment and have to crank it, but its rarely for more than 5-10 minutes and it doesn't average over 100dB (measured it w/the SPL meter a couple of times), so I understand how the Cpt. may want to do this now and then as well.
The last thing I want to do is ruin my listening experience and I'm sure his sentiment is the same, he likely just wants the extra power in case he does on the rare occasion... -TD