Thanks for reading!
I'm not sure what was up with the menu confiscation. It was in the magazine pocket and was snatched as the FA passed without comment. She didn't even stop walking. It peeved me a bit as I collect them as well and wanted to both know what I was eating and to photograph it. I was beaten down enough already from the preceding ordeal that I didn't bother to ask for it back.
I found the CLT crew to be quite kind and personable, just terribly unpolished at actually conducting the service. Maybe just bad luck.
Perusing and photographing menus is fine ...but taking it home is a no no ...costs and all that !