The point is, plenty of flight attendants say things are because of the FAA or TSA/DHS when they aren't. Most people are going to accept "it's the FAA's fault" as a valid excuse and let the airline off the hook. I think having the shades up in case there's a crash is pretty bogus, but some airlines are vehement about it. Not a big deal, but they use the "government makes us" for all kinds crappy things like using lavs, the curtains between coach and business/first, taking pics on the plate, etc. They feel that if they say "this is a United policy" then some people won't back down on something.

Basically, they use the FAA or TSA/DHS to scare people into doing what they tell them to do. It's wrong on general principle.