+TSRA
I think it maybe a generation thing. As you I visited many an A/C cockpit pre 9/11 from mid 60,s up to just before 9/11, and (whisper this quietly) even after 9/11 in some areas of the world. However I have always treated the pilots and their office with total respect, and would not ever dream of grabbing or touching any switch leaver etc. As a young child aircrew were authority figures and as such you treated with them with the respect they deserved. Perhaps now with the demise of this respect people wrongly feel that there kids can do anything without any come back. On my first cockpit trip in a Channel Airways Viscount I was told to sit on my hands by my Dad, and be polite, and that is what I did when a young boy and also metaphorically speaking as a young man as well ! Still miss being able to do it, as it is one of the best office views in the world.