I love how you describe the fight for the extra space in the airplane. So accurate! I travelled with my kid a lot and I agree with you that it pays off to have a baby on board. I always get better seats, enjoy better service and wait less time to use the washrooms.
As for the airport security workers, I learnt not to joke around. Once I asked them why does it take them so long to test baby formula and what could I possibly put in there that could be dangerous and I ended up staying even longer than normal.