I never quite understand why it is such an issue to get a bag off a plane if a passenger is not traveling??

I see the obvious logistics argument... (i.e. bag in Houston, passenger in London wanting bag returned... and variations thereof.)

But in terms of security, surely this is absolute nonsense to waste handling agents time when they could be doing something much more productive (Oh i don't know - something like braking straps/handles and burying priority bags at the bottom of the pile.)

Anyway, just reading between the lines here - but, by the fact that the bags are exrayed, rooted through by handlers and security; combined with the fact that the days of terrorists with waxed moustaches, trenchcoats and trilbys sneaking a ticking bag onto a plane and hurrying out the fire exit of the terminal, are long gone.... is it really necessary to remove the bag?