PV,
The real issue is that collectively, in a sociological way, we are unable to accept what Bruce Schneier´s demonstrates way better that a pprune discussion.
Globally, you, me, a bunch of other people are willing to accept and support his opinion. We have no problem in calling the measures stupid and useless. Perhaps, is because "we", let´s call us the the "criticists", culturally have little respect for the Authority, not just because "we" understand the technicalities better than others.
Of course, not everyone is sharing the same indipendence of thinking, and even less people is willing to put in discussion decisions that are made in the name of safety.
Not being this an issue that can put a Gov.mnt at risk of loosing next elections, nor a change in heading of the Securty Forces, decisions will be always taken in total hipocracy where the only objective is to transmit to the general public (that is everyone excpet the criticists) a sense of security, that something is being done, and you won´t die just because you are going to see you aunt in Birmmingham. Plus all the under the desk compormises and exchange of favours or revenges taken beween the various actors.
It would be unreasonable to expect a change in the way the measures are takenn, and honesty I hope the terrorist will not change the target from being Air Travel mainly, as apparently it summarizes the Freedom and the spine of the business of the Western World. There, something can be done, more or less sustentably, more or less disruptively. Other areas of our everyday life, as we have tragically seen, are much more idfficult or simply impossible to protect.