Travis, I have great respect for your opinion, having read much of your good stuff over the years here.
Of course, CG boarding parties should not be seen to come across as Jackbooted thugs. I don't think that there are, or ever have been in any sort of institutional way. I happen to really honestly believe, that out of the thousands of boardings they do every DAY, that they conduct themselves in the most professional way possible, given whatever circumstances they are in.
I think there's a bad rap happening on this thread for the USCG, and I'll defend them. That is simply where I am.
I've been boarded about a dozen times, and in almost every case the Coasties have been terrific. Polite, professional. Don't get an attitude with them, and no problem.
My bottom line is they are the guys who will pluck me from my raft, in the event of a calamity aboard the SV Escape Pod II.
I just hope that COs will go over some sort of "courtesy standards" to ensure no JBT treatment of American citizens, ever. Even if it is already rare. A few bad search cases get spread all over the waterfront and the internet, and it harms the USCG's interface with their "clients."