We have not suspended Habeas Corpus however. That would be telling and proof that something is indeed amiss.
I share your aggravation of flying. I no longer do it.
As to intent, I see no hidden motives as you do.
Most of the changes are sunsetted. I think that congress does not want to make them permanent either.
I could be wrong, so I always question my assumptions and reserve the right to change my mind, but I trust Bush to do the right thing.
We have come as close as we can to ignoring it without actually suspending it. Hence the lack of enforcement of "certain immigration" laws.
To me this is severe sign that we are in trouble.