@combatxkitty I am not having a got at you, sorry if it sounds like it, just expressing my views.
Although you are using the crow's nest for its intended purpose, it sounded like you pulled up a seat and glued your butt there for the entire voyage.
We recently had a friend do that who later confessed to watching YouTube clips the whole time. :/
It just doesn't seem fair for one or two to do all of the work while someone sunbaths with panoramic views during a free ride.
Failing that position you captain the ship which many think / assume means steering it. I'm sorry but that's what your post indicated, you are either in the crow's nest or steering.
As for firing orders in a regular crew, that should not be necessary. You would all have equal experience working together on a regular basis. My helmsman steers while I adjust sails and we dock perfectly every time. I don't need him to say "more wind" or "less sail". This goes for either vessel, galleon or sloop.
If on a galleon and I see the wind change direction I will say something like "The wind has changed, sails to the... " (which ever direction is required). I am not assuming a leadership role, it's just a "heads up, guys" sort of thing.
Usually nobody listens and I end up doing all three sails myself. lol
When it comes to skull forts, with a crew of 3 or 4 ,we usually rotate look-out / watch duties. As soon as someone dies they inform the look-out who then takes a last scan of the horizon before joining the others fighting skeleton waves. When the deceased return from the ferry they are the next on look-out duty.... and so on.
The same equality should apply to the crew as a whole voting or at least voicing their opinions or needs as to which type of quests to do, challenge a fort, attack another vessel, search for highchairs or statues, fight the megalodon, etc.
We are all playing our own game as a team, we're not pawns to one ruler.
I have been in crews where one thinks that they are above all others and it's not much fun. This is a game not a job, bosses belong in work environments.
Until they implement ranks in the game we are all just ahem seamen. :o)
Enjoy what you do and let others enjoy their gaming experience too.