This loophole has been around for years.
Airport security is there for 2 reasons. One is to keep the casual criminals off the aircraft with weapons, since you are unlikely to get a weapon past the screening checkpoint. It does happen, but if I were a bad guy bent on taking over an airplane, I would not expect to get a Glock through the checkpoint. It is far easier to get a job on the ramp or as a cleaner and just bring it airside in a lunch bag.
The other reason for airport security is to make the flying public feel safer. This is the reason that pilots are screened. We are easily identifiable, authority figures. When the passengers see us getting the same treatment as they, they assume that security must be tight, if even the pilots get searched. We all know better, and personally, I find the entire situation disgusting.
It's ironic that pilots, who are the only employees that don't need a "weapon" to take over the airplane, are the only group that is required to be screened for "weapons" (I used quotes since I do not consider a screwdriver, leatherman, eyeglass screwdriver or penknives etc., weapons). It's doubly ironic when the reason for flight crew submitting to passenger screening is due to the actions of a customer service representative (not a flight crew member and they STILL don't get screened!).
The entire situation is surreal......