Is there some over-riding political reason the FAA doesn't want to offend
the Europeans right now?

The current US government is doing everything they can to offend the
Europeans right now, so this can't be the reason. I suspect the reason is
that, despite all the television hype, there has never actually been any
real danger for the passengers.

Landing an airliner with the nose gear 90 degrees misaligned poses no danger
to passengers?

That's a stunning statement, coming from a presumed pilot.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"