I think the new procedures are in response to the underwear bomber of a year ago...yes a year ago. Why did the Obama administration wait a year for this if the threat of exploding underwear is so strong? Notice they waited until after the elections, they knew what they were doing and what the reaction would be. Seems they are guided more by politics than security.
Good points, EngrPat. With this Administration, it is always going to be about politics.