Well said Boeing Freak
Some common sense at last. The bottom line is that (UK and USA excepted), it would appear to be common practice to allow staff and qualified family members use the jumpseat. Note staff and qualified family - not terrorists, not bombers.
If the Captain is happy to take someone, whats the problem? If he's not, well, thats sad, but it's the way it is.
I will be forever grateful to the various BA/SAA/QF and DLH Captains who looked after me in previous years, and I look forward to repaying the favour whenever I can.
It's not a hardship or an inconvenience to have someone sitting behind you - anyone who says it is has a serious chip underneath the epaulettes on both shoulders.