All noted. The tampa suicide showed just how little damage a light plane will do to a building. The fire following this crash was very dramatic on TV, but the net result (a fire that burned two appartments and killed four people in a motof vehicle accident) was unworthy of this sort of hype. He must have been loaded up with that spendy Teterboro gas :-)
We have a lot of freedoms in this country that when exposed to untutored prejudice seem shocking. But after reflecting on the true danger posed by these freedoms, one should rest easier. Light planes don't carry much, so they are not very well suited to terrorist purposes. Further, they are not easily accessable to the general public as are, oh, say, Ryder trucks. Politicians and media "personalities" like Det Deitl (Ret) who pander to the fearful and scapegoat small groups are not particularly admirable.
So, yes: you can fly in the VFR exclusions with a private pilot. If you get to NYC sometime, ping me. It will be a ride you'd remember forever.
Peace.