Saturn V:
Thanks for that link. Pretty cool. I'll actually forward that on to my teammates, as we fly all over the US every week. Personally, I don't really mind about turbulence (light to moderate). Just makes it tougher to use the lavs when needed.
SilverThunder:
It's not really that US pax ignore the seatbelt sign. They just have a difference perception. The seatbelt sign turning on means "Oops, better get up and go to the lav!" I see this every time I fly (usually four times a week), and especially just before landing (and I don't know why! We're gonna be on the ground in a couple minutes anyway! Hold your water, people!!!).
As far as the liability goes, though, it's all understandable considering the sue-happy society we Americans live in every day ("Your child sneezed on me! I'm going to SUE!!!). Go figure.
RD