Perhaps you've missed the point that potential visitors might be put off travelling to the US by the (reported) antics of CBP, and thus leave flights less full than airlines might have projected?
I know that I (and my extended family) would not dream of flying to the USA at the moment, even to change planes to a third country. And I say this as a United Mileage Plus Lifetime Platinum. But then I wouldn't fly to anywhere in South America right now either. Just not worth the hassle or possible injury or worse.
For reference, FWIW, I've flown to these places quite a few times prior to 9/11 in an official Australian Govt capacity.