I don't think anyone said it was a safety issue or against a regulation. Nor is carving up the J seat leather with a J meal knife, but I'm fairly sure any airline would take a fairly dim view of such action. There is a distinct difference between breach of legislation and breach of common decency but both can be met with repercussions should an airline choose to enforce it.
I'd think decisions to confront pax about misdemeanours would come from management. It's a shame that it's even being discussed and a bigger shame so many seem to believe it's OK to disrespect others property. I wonder how they would feel if I went around to their place and stuck my feet all over the walls, clipped my toenails in their favourite arm chair or lounged back with my feet on their dining table .... simply because I feel I have a God-given right to act like a pig. Something tells me the vast majority of them may just make a scene and I doubt I'd be invited back!
Not at all. The category is anti-social behaviour and it can include many traits.
I think the vast majority of offenders would be embarrassed by the request to be civil and comply immediately. Part of a flight attendants role is to police behaviour and there are far worse they may have to deal with (including excess alcohol consumption) and as a way of strengthening their ability and apart from the training they receive, they are given extensive powers. Basically a flight attendants instruction must be complied with or a pax may be breaching aviation law (at least that's my understanding).
Arrogance, yes in many cases, or simply some people have never been given guidance on how to conduct themselves in an acceptable fashion. I believe if you wouldn't do something in your own home, you shouldn't do it in public or in some others home.
