I agree with your comments. B&N managers are scared of litigation at some point or from news stories of pedophiles in the kids section harming their business. As the store manager said to me in an email – they have to balance many different interests. I understand the problem, and this is merely a “teachable moment” for them.
They can’t just assume that us regular Joes are going to let these things roll off our backs without thinking twice about it.