Agree with almost all of your comments, particularly the argumentum ad absurdum on the idiotic "blowback" point.

Also on the vulnerability of the planes to hijacking due to the stupid rules then in place. These planes were commandeered by terrorists brandishing box cutters. BOX CUTTERS. I typically have a Spyderco Harpy clipped inside my right front pocket as my EDC, although obviously not on a plane. I would put that up against a box cutter any day.