I expected they padded the numbers, partially to restore confidence in the airline industry, and to make potential terrorists think twice about which flights to try to hijack. Ultimately, though, it's more of the first than the latter. If they don't care they'll be killed if successful, then they won't care if they die in an attempt. And we know there were incidents of MiddleEastern men doing a "field exercise" aboard a couple flights.
The Pilot, CoPilot, Navigator, and stewardesses should be armed as well.