Guarding the speedbrake handle is no good, you unfortunately need both hands, one on the controls, and one to keep free for the MSP and throttles. So it is not going to be back on the speedbrake lever. Auto retraction would be a big bonus, but just a tweeter like the 737 have would be a big safety feature.
The fuel surcharge is to account for the extra cost of the fuel. Pilots ask for directs to improve efficiency and save time. It saves costs which eventually saves airfares. You compare costs to last years operation...and find your eyes popping out! Somebody, somewhere along the line, is overdoing it financially. That is why surcharges exist. If your raw material (fuel) goes up astronomically, you cannot price your tickets at the same level.