Should the FAA soak of some of the blame because they were to "soft" on Alaska? The Airlines have always asked for a loose leash from the FAA becuase they know best what works for them. The FAA will most likely start enforcing a more universal policy on key maintenance procedures and the airlines will complain about it.

Alaska Airlines has clearly broken FAA procedures (no matter how loose they were) and they are the only airline that I know of that has a criminal investigation under way. To blame the FAA for allowing Alaska to have a looser mainteance standard does not cut it with me.

If Alaska is found at fault for causing the crash how could anyone fly them again with a clear conscience. You can only take blind loyalty so far.