I think your prediction is going to be accurate. As I recall the ban was supposed to go away in 2009 or 2010 within the EU but was extended another three years. It seems to always be on the cusp of going away, but when the deadline approaches, it's extended. Compare it to the PATRIOT Act in the US. There's always some debate when provisions come up against the sunset clauses, but they have thus far always been renewed.

However, in the event the liquid restrictions are lifted in the US, what do you want to bet that many other countries will follow suit, even if they lack the equipment to test the liquids? That is to say, the mentality will be, "Well, the US says liquids are ok now, so we'll allow them again." The takeaway is that liquids were not dangerous before August 2006 and after that future date, but they were only dangerous during that interval.