“He’s learned the hard way that flight crews aren’t little people.”
No, all of us passengers are, now. Actually it’s a good day when you get treated like “little people” while flying. It’s usually more akin to how you’d transport cattle.
True, but that’s due to the policies of the airlines. Flight crews are akin to police officers. It’s best to obey them. If you think they are wrong then write a letter after the flight.