Even though I personally disagree with Federal payments, I think you're missing a critical piece here. The payments I think are tied to the airline bailout bill... by taking this money, a family cannot pursue litigation and cause further damage to the transportation system (in theory).
Just the messenger...
I believe your right....but....is each amount taken by a family somehow deducted from what the airline gets in federal bailout money.....of course not.....once again the taxpayer takes it on the chin for an elite group....