interesting topic.
I don't think that rules for liquids do not apply anymore.
Here's my recent experience.
SFO, May 7th 2010.
I'm in line for an ID check.
Person behind me has a half empty bottle of water.
Person coordinating the traffic tells pax behind me that she will not be allowed to take it and if she wants she has to drink it now.
Security employee also mentioned that if it was frozen (ice) she would be able to take it.

Same SFO, same May 7th 2010, same checkpoint. One of the crew members had half empty bottle of wine in a Trader Joe's bag. No issues passing the security.

I guess it really depends on who you are... same is with the shoes. I've seen at the same SFO that for some people are not required to take their shoes off, and when I asked screener if rules were changed, response was that "he's an employee"