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So, again, this is all for show and the FAA is just flexing its muscles to prove that it can.

Not to be contrary, but I see it the other way around. Making a further exception to the rule would be the result of some individual in the FAA flexing their muscles - and bypassing the plain meaning of the ruling. The inspections were either not done or done improperly. They are overdue.

I fail to see how enforcing a ruling in the face of violations of the ruling is "flexing muscle". It's a matter of compliance (in the certification sense of the word).

It's a matter of compliance (in the certification sense of the word).

Exactly!

If it were submitted to the FAA with spacing at a minimum of 10' apart and approved the issue wouldn't exist.

If they vary from approved data then it has to be submitted and approved again.

If not, then what good does it do to have approved data in the first place?

Just toss the aircraft together any way one deems fit personally and hope for the best?

Again, the devil's in the details. The essential part of this is that the cable ties must be 1-inch apart. The aircraft will not fall out of the sky if the cable ties are greater or less than 1-inch apart.

So, again, it's not a safety issue, it's a muscle flexing issue. BTW, how long have you spent working on aircraft electrical systems? I have done it for 8 years.

Making a further exception to the rule would be the result of some individual in the FAA flexing their muscles - and bypassing the plain meaning of the ruling.

If that were the case, i could agree with you, but it isn't. AA wasn't trying to bypass or circumvent the requirement, they were trying to get the FAA to work with them and allow them to conduct the inspections in a way that didn't impact their schedule to this degree. Again, this is NOT an emergrency situation. My job requires me to fly a lot and if it were an emergency, I'd be on your side. It simply isn't.

Lastly, once the inspections are completed, the issue isn't gone. AA as well as every other airline sold a ticket to provide goods or services. That ticket serves as a contract between the airline and the customer. If/when AA is sued for not keeping up its end of its obligation as the result of this silliness on the part of the FAA, who will (likely) get the judgement against them - AA or the FAA?