I knew this type of response was coming....

"It's not about you, its about projectiles in the cabin."

I'll take my chances any day of someone hurting me by falling into me in exchange for a bit more personal freedom of choice and movement.

"We are not concerned with the guy that stands up when the sign is on, the law protects airlines and crewmembers if he gets hurt (no rights, can't sue, period, end of story)"

That is very good to hear. As it should be.

"On another note, the FAA has authority to fine individuals who don't comply with crewmember instructions regarding the seatbelt sign. So if you happen to be pulling into the gate, and are sitting next to an FAA examiner without knowing, and remove your seatbelt, expect the $1000.00 fine. It's happened more than once this year so far, and they love to get the FAA more revenue."

I would gladly take my chances with that as well.

"Yes, sometimes we leave the sign on when it's smooth. For instance, flying through a line of storms, sometimes the hole in between two storms is smooth, sometimes it produces moderate turbulence, there is no device that can predict which it will be. So we turn the sign on, sometimes it stays smooth. And yes sometimes we do forget. So if it does seem like a long time ask the FA and she will ask us. Either there is a good reason for it, or we will turn it off. It never hurts to ask."

But is it company policy, or captains discretion or both?