New FAA Rules Around Clearing Plastic Cups Are Absurdly Stupid: Are Plastic Cups A Safety Hazard?

A plastic cup is a mortal danger but the FAA apparently finds it acceptable to allow zero situational awareness during takeoff and landing by allowing the window shades to be closed unlike every other country.

Is it really necessary to have a drink before becoming airborne? I guess this only impacts frost class, becauae i have never received beverage service before takeoff and the stuff was always gathered before landing.

A plastic cup in first is an evacuation hazard? Versus the 5:1 body count per square foot in coach? Some noob at the FAA really earned their keep this week.