I have never understood why the FAA has always been so intent on violations. Sure, rules need to be obeyed, and flying is no exception, but does it really help?
In Europe the authorities have a much more pragmatic approach to things. They accept mistakes are going to be made, just like modern CRM accepts mistakes are a part of human nature. Punishment - or fear of punishment - is not the way to get the number of mistakes down. Clearly this philosophy has not trickled down to the FAA headquarters.
Fines would be one thing. Not pleasant, for sure, but not as detrimental to ones career as an FAA violation on your flying record. I have seen too many people get stuck in low time flying jobs in the US because the airlines and regionals would not look at them anymore owing to having a violation.
What is it the FAA suddenly tries to accomplish? Do they really think that suddenly pilots are going to make less mistakes? Is it indeed safety the FAA has in mind, or is this political? One does wonder.