HIGHCONE -
Good points.
The FAA types I know indicate that there is a major effort to de-personalize the various accidents still under investigation. They expect the NTSB reports to do the same.
The emphasis is purportedly to be AWAY from the individual airline responsibility. The various approaches used to achieve that seem to fall nicely under the heading of "plausible assertion." Propaganda, by any name - quality stuff, too.
It will be interesting to see if any more FAA personalities get sacked. I'm waiting for McSweeney's name to be on the list. He does a good job of hiding in the crowd. It will be equally interesting to see what becomes of his 'best gal Beth.'
As to Nick only getting demoted, can you imagine the documents he's got in a safe? Within 90 days, he'll probably resign to take a corporate position, maybe within the ATA. The airline industry owes him - big time.
Good "handle," by the way. What orientation method did you prefer. Or, are you that old? {:-))