I read through this thread and I think there are a few misconceptions:
Airport security is not about catching someone trying to do it, it is more about preventing someone from even trying. In that regard I wish security would be a little less reactionary and more out in front of the potential problem. But they are trying and I for one am thankful for it.
Electronic devices (particularly wireless) can interfere. I'm an aerospace engineer and manufacturers go to great lengths to test the aircraft for EEE (electronic environmental effects), on of those is radiated susceptibility. Not every device in the world can be tested and certified, hence the ban on wireless type devices in flight. Shielding all the harnesses and electronics on board is cost and weight prohibitive. With modern planes going to fly by wire electronics the potential for problem is even greater. Put a wireless device near a speaker phone and listen to the interference. In teleconferences all the time we have to make announcements to turn off or stow your blackberries as they create so much static on the line from their radiated emissions.
It doesn't take a lot of damage from a small explosive to bring down a plane. Structural margins are such that all pieces are required in order to keep the plane together, particularly if the damage is in certain areas. The plane that had part of the top ripped off in Hawaii was a gross exception, not the rule. In that regard I do find devices with batteries somewhat troubling, particularly if they can discharge a lot of energy in a short time, like a camera flash. They can then become the perfect detonator. If I had the power to prohibit one electronic device from cabins it would be cameras with flashes, but any device with a high energy density lithium battery is circumspect. (The device that brought down the lockerbie plane was a radio in checked baggage I believe).
I don't as much anymore, but I used to fly all the time, both pre and post 9/11. Did I like the new security measures or think they all made sense? No they didn't. I've seen grandma have her mail clippers taken, kind of dumb as now we know that whatever happens in the cabin, the pilot does not open the door to the cockpit!!! Do what you want with them the pilot will not open the door. So the 9/11 scenario is averted simply by securing the cockpit door. Post 9/11 terrorists are focusing on blowing the plane up in flight. The London arrests and plot to blow up 10 airliners bound for the US, Reid the shoe bomber (I frankly have no problem removing my shoes you can store enough C4 in a couple of shoes to bring down a jet if detonated at the right place), and now this guy travelling from Nigeria.
In today's world people are going to make threat assessments and plan accordingly and put into place measures to prevent such incidents. (Ask anyone who has ever flow El-Al airline!) Are they all going to make sense to the paying public, no, but I'm thankful someone is considering it.
Lastly, and not a safety issue, I'd like to see us return to the era of passengers having one small bag on board. Frankly I get tired of people packing for a two week trip with carry on luggage!!
Oh and one more I forgot, hard drives are very sturdy when off, I can attest to that as I ran over my laptop with the rental car one time. (Apple!) The LCD screen was trashed, but the laptop booted up and ran fine with an external monitor!!
