I agree the threat posed by this woman was minuscule or nonexistent.  The fundamental problem is that TSA personnel and other security officers are compelled to maintain an appearance of fairness and impartiality irrespective of age and physique.  Much as I feel that a lot of what the TSA does amounts to a dog and pony show, I can understand why they would wish to avoid charges of favoritism by allowing this 82-year-old woman a "pass."

That said, a lot of adults who grew up in a different time and who came to expect different standards of reasonableness or civility, have a hard time coping with the world as it now is.

I'm reminded of a popular well-known and "elder statesman" gun writer who was flummoxed at being asked to surrender his loaded Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolver before boarding his flight.  Only the intervention of a law enforcement officer who recognized him averted an ugly dispute.  This sort of "gentlemen's agreement" or intervention would not be possible today.