It is highly probable that if AA and UA, along with the others, had not been so lax about security on and before 9/11/01, Atta and his band(s) might have never made it past through airport security lines. ("Box cutters" in the carry ons, and no one gave them a second thought?) This "theft" of premium seats is more of a penalty that hits the airlines every day, as partial restitution for their incompetence, when it came to security, in the days/months/years leading up to September 11. They have no one to blame but themselves for the current predicament of the industry.

Give the air marshalls a break. They are just doing their job, and if their presence has helped to avoid one catastrophe, it is a job well done.

Next time you are in coach, and believe that a FAM has stolen your premium perch, just offer it up.