Without wishing to argue against you, but even before 9/11 butane lighters were frowned upon on aircraft, presumably as the pressure changes could affect them.
I last flew in 2000, and I remember then being asked if I had lighters on me.
All said and done, the stupidity/niavity of the authorities in thier rulings since 9/11 is not in doubt, which I think was your point. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />