It all makes much more sense if you consider the world from the following hypothetical utility function of the FAA: to maximize net present value of funding. I

It all makes much more sense if you consider the world from the following hypothetical utility function of the FAA: to maximize net present value of funding. If they are 50% efficient, or even 10% efficient, they won't be eliminated. They're still needed for certain basic operations in aviation. However, if they do something with a 30% chance of a great outcome from aviation, and 1% chance of a negative scandal, that negative risk outweighs any positivity.