american policies typically are the thing that europeans dislike but they don't hold it against us when we are visiting. but if you get into political conversations with them you'll hear their frustration.
people are people. most of us get along with each other. most of us try. Those who don't are like the texan and bathroom guy. they are outliers, but they suck so badly it leaves a scar. Those of us in the normal majority take too much of this on a regular basis. i wish we stood up for each other some more because it'd shame the loud ones to shut up and get in line.
as for unruly kids vs drunks...kids consume resources at no cost. Drunks at least are buying the drinks. so airports and airlines try to be as accomodating for the drunks as possible. the kids are a loss leader from flying free on laps to using the vomit bags to annoying everyone in the cabin. once the drunks fall asleep it's over until landing.