I got around to doing a bunch more research on this today. I'm probably answering my own question but all of the data I've read says that airlines will start collecting this data on August 15 but they are not yet required to actually send it to TSA for passenger vetting. So it's highly likely the two airlines I've had experience with already (AS & DL) just don't transfer this data to the TSA.

Once the airlines transfer it to TSA for vetting, the TSA will send back a "yes" or "no" I guess to the airline. I'm assuming my birth date being sent to the TSA will be enough for them to send back a "yes, he's clear to board". Supposedly all airlines will have to send data to the TSA by Q1 2010.

Bottom line for me (and maybe others)...I will not give the government all of the extra information they want for redress at this point considering the airlines are likely doing nothing with the redress number. Once I know all airlines send the data to the TSA for vetting and I'm still prevented from checking in online then I'll follow through with the redress process.

Thx to everyone who answered my questions.

-RM