I know what 8 - 12 onces of plastic exposives can do. I've seen many explosive shots on the range. I was a munitions troop in the AF for many years.
Reid needs more than a fuse to set off C4 or Semtex. He needs an explosive train to set it off and a fuse alone will not do it. Shock has to be applied - an explosion to set off the main charge. That fuse was probably crimped to a blasting cap.
However, I never heard about the blasting cap in the news and I have always wondered if Reid just didn't know what he was doing.
Have no fear, this will bring down a plane.
I never had a doubt.