Letiole: The answer is yes.
The MD-80 is fast becoming the most frequently flown large jet in the country. (Following the 737). There's no excuse for exposing passengers to what might be a serious defect in the aircraft's design. Ground the plane until it's determined that there is no such design flaw.
Of course, the FAA is mandated to promote air travel. It will not, therefore, do anything to make that travel safer if doing so might make fewer people fly.
Phil

And: Safest Day to Fly? ANY DAY.!

Right on philforest! Even the world's most unsafe airlines are pretty safe compared to driving your car.