But the fraction of the traveling public that reads HN has to be minute. Seriously, what would you estimate the increase is in the probability of significant improvements to TSA policy, by virtue of this article being posted vs if it had been rejected as off topic? Even one millionth of a percent increase in probability seems high to me. People like to vent and posture, but in the moment of choice they'll almost always choose the most convenient alternative. Very few will file formal complaints, even among readers here. And as others have pointed out, the incentives for the TSA almost force them to be over cautious, so that they can survive if something bad happens.