jimworcs,
I too agree that a seat for every pax is the safest way but unfortunately, I can't see it happening anytime soon. In the meantime, how is a baby "tied" to your lap potentially serious? Surely, it's got to be better than a completely unrestrained infant? I'm not trying to be argumentative as you may well be thinking of something that hasn't even crossed my mind, hence the question.
As for airlines carrying child seats, great idea but the problem with that is where to store them when they aren't in use. They would have to be rigid to conform to the safety standards and there's just no room on most aircraft.