Respectfully, I'd suggest that weapons don't equal power. Weapons equal an option, which may be used to sieze power, abuse power, or support power. Firearms are only tools.
The posession of firearms, and the regulation for or against it, is part of the leverage of power.
Risk, money and power aren't issues. It's all about leverage for each party of interest. The only exception to that rule would seem to be those in the cockpit who feel that the issue is one of personal security. I won't disagree, but before this can be broached, the leverage must be balanced.
Political interests must be allowed to save face, corporate management must be assured that their interests are protected, and the public must be educated. It can all be done, but will require a more concerted effort than what is presently under way. The APSA is on the right track, but it's going to take a much broader effort to gain acceptance than what has been felt, so far.
Nothing is set in stone.