This is not truly a topic of great concern in my view, but a thought did occur that perhaps R2 programmed the capsule prior to its departure? After all did he not appear to be in control of its launch, etc…?
The matter, as I said, is settled by the novel: R2 piloted the pod. There’s no debate remaining. Sure, folks here can argue, if they want to, but they can also argue that the sky is green.
That’s like saying the sky looks blue, but the Bible says it’s green so it must be green.
Again, the novel is even more removed from the movie than the script. And if you are allowing the novel to “settle the debate” then you need to go read the novel of TFA before you bitch about anything in the movie.