I agree that they had a right to the money, but it's the perception issue ... you're right, they should have reduced and deferred the bonus payments until AIG was in better standing. It's like the other financial firm (whose name escapes me at the moment) who threw the retreat bash right after getting fed money ... I believe it was a different division that did not receive fed $$$ ... however it was the percepttion of it ... These execs are so out of touch that they can't see that.
Aslo, the government is starting to get silly with their grandstanding over it.
The saddest part is that the feds are quick to fan the flames here, but aren't trying to do much to ensure it (the whole crisis) doesn't happen again.