Trying to recall an episode with a specific Riker scene...

Instead of sending someone to perform a task of no return, if the commanding officer is capable should he go instead?

 

Aren't lower-ranked officers typically considered more 'expendable' (horrible word, but it's the ugly truth) than higher-ranked ones?

 

I could see a scenario where that might be the case, but only if there's other officers as capable of assuming the role. I mean Starfleet seems to place a high enough value on a commanding officer that they task guys like Riker to bark about it any time Picard wants to go on an away mission lol

 

That seems to be the logic: it is easier to send someone you're less familiar with than a close colleague you've known for the better part of a decade.