I have been thinking about this today and with the talk about placenta's I think the state of it isn't directly related to the length of gestation, because I have read birth stories of women who birth before 40 weeks and have placentas that look ratty, or at the end of their use by date just as I have read stories of women past 42wks with ratty placentas. so it's reasonable to assume that regardless of gestation length, by the time the baby is born the placenta will look well used simply because the baby was finished with it ITMS. I know Christy had monitoring of her placenta with Miss J and it did have a few calcifications on it and she was past 42wks, and when I had DS2, I was 40+4 and his placenta was very used looking even though I knew the cord function was still really good.
Trill there really does seem to be so much variation between experiences doesn't there. From my perspective, as long as we are confident Phoenix is getting what s/he needs and is progressing well then that is what our experience is. At any time if there is concern as to P's health and support system we will listen to medical advice and act. The lack of information sought or given to pg women can be extraordinary IMO. Like Marcellus's experience with her Ob playing the stillborn card with nothing to base that opinion on in M's case.
DH and I have had to demonstrate that we are not being stubborn or hippy about it all, rather we are both scientifically trained and we like information, evidence and calculation of all risks, including the risks associated with synthetic induction balanced against the risks of waiting a few more days.

ETA: Thanks Marcellus!