Dont mean to sound naive but if they can fly short 2 FAs and not be in violation of any FAA rules is the reason for those 2 FAs for service, not safety?

I just came back from BKK on a combo of TG F and LH F and it just stuns me that anybody at Willis Tower thinks that one would fly UA in GF unless they are made to.

Stuff like the OP stated is happening more and more. I have 1 RT to Europe in BF (got in on the 1400. P fare that was around for a few days) and had I not gotten that fare I would be on another airline.