Gaunty,
Don't you dare whinge if next time they do take your $80 pencil off you!
I am quite happy with security. At least weapons such as guns and grenades will be picked up. As you have seen, stabbing type weapons can still get on board, fortunately the brave pax and crew on board the aircraft managed to subdue the guy. You can't seriously expect every potential weapon to be kept of the aircraft. What about a sachet of some toxic substance, these guys are after all, suicidal?