[Boeing Guy]

Jaysay, I could not agree with you more, us aircrew really are at the poiny end. However airlines are run by bean counters and they have more sway over the rest of us. Just like the car industry people have to die before changes are made.

Slinky, Thompsonfly are a good outfit, I am sure your flight will be fine. Just a small coulpe of tips, Read the safety card, listen to the briefing, count how many rows between you and you nearest exit (I always do this). Like your thought on the rear of the plane, maybe thats why the 'black boxes' are at the rear