@ Judo: As far as my opinion as to airport security? The only things I think we can hope for is a deterrent factor. "cause as it stands now, even with the new restrictions it is obviously still possible to get some kind of weapon on board. What the last incident did show to me which was very hopeful and perhaps the biggest security measure we have aboard plane is that passengers are not just going to let these people do their thing. Which is the case in the most recent one where a passenger and stewardess both took the guy down, said hey... you got some kind of $hit on you?? Ok, were just gonna strip you naked and make sure you're contained right here till we land. This is why the guy was escorted off the plane wearing only handcuffs and an airplane towel around his waist.
A big problem is enforcing our rules overseas. We can't even ensure proper protocol if followed here in the States let alone a foreign country. My last "trip" I took was to Guyana, S. America by way of Triniad & Tobbago. I had some of my military gear with me, meds, fluids, needles, surgical kits, all kind of stuff. Was not questioned getting on the plane leaving the US, and had no issues anywhere else for that matter. I was asked in Guyana before returning about my bag and had to open it, but only got about 1.5" into it, explained my way out of it by stating US military medic. And I was allowed to have my full 1L Nalgene bottle.
In regards to the TSA's manual being posted, from my understanding it was never meant or intended to be posted on the website and was done by individuals, not TSA and is being investigated. Sloppy yes, but if done by rogue or just stupid employee's not really TSA's fault, and I'm sure those individuals responsible will not have a job much longer and will probably find it hard to find another good one.
What I foresee in the future in fact strays away from passenger planes. Eventually we will start to get this whole airport security down and terrorists will find it too difficult, along with believing passengers will take the fight response out of the fight or flight. They will then turn to other targets. You think people were scared after 9/11?? Those were only airplanes and how many of us fly that often? Now, how many times do we go to the mall, theater, grocery store?? When transit buses, malls, and theaters start getting blown up then terrorism will have truly struck the heart and fear of the American citizens.