The greatest threat is probably that 'security' has become a highly-politicized industry motivated primarily by profit, not protecting citizens.

Eisenhower warned about the 'military-industrial complex' (witness numerous instances when Congress mandates funding for battle gear and armament beyond what the military asks for - and not what the military even wants).

Ike didn't foresee the 'military-security-industrial complex'.

TSA (and the industries it supports) need to justify a steady stream of immediately necessary, costly, quickly obsolete security apparatus, even if the 'need' for that apparatus is based on manufactured or next-to-zero probabilities.

In some ways, the recent proposed relaxation of some carry-on items - tiny knives, ski poles, etc. is the most encouraging development in years. It indicates that possibly, just possibly, Pistole is shifting from a 'we will protect you from everything at all costs' to a more realistic model.

Or not. It's hard to trust TSA or take anything it says at face value.

Nonetheless, for those who want to second-guess the wisdom of this proposed change: Pistole knows that the vultures are waiting to swoop in and make a federal case if anyone gets hurt, anyone at all, even if it is someone pulling a pocket knife out of his pocket who scratches himself. If he thinks the threat to aviation security is so low that he's willing to take a risk, then naysayers should really shut up.

Perhaps you could be more specific on which post-9/11 changes you think are making us safer?