Flying in the 80's was a treat. Even the 90's. One could even get a Kosher meal on board, although I did not keep Kosher as a child I can remember that fact [a thing I could now enjoy, with understanding]. Primarily thanks to Islam the airline industry has majorly downgraded itself.
JTF is the only place I have heard of this guy so far. Seems like a funny story. Stealing the beers could get him some trouble [of course], and I don't know if there is a law against opening an emergency exit [perhaps it costs money for the inflatable device which may need to be replaced each use?]. If he truly got smacked in the head by a passenger I think some leeway is needed in judging his actions.