Just found your blog and have linked it within mine.

I have to disagree with you on this one…
I think that Abagnale is a true security expert. He understands security beyond social engineering as evidenced by his involvement with currency protection and the FBI after his run in with the law. I have a hard time holding his past mistakes against him, if he has truly reformed (no longer uses social engineering for others harm). In fact he is able to provide great insight from his understanding of human nature as well as his experience in thwarting criminal activity. (I did not attend the CSI conference last Fall due to budget cuts – but seriously wanted to specifically because of Abagnale’s presence.)

I would however take your position in the case of Kevin Mitnick. He was a second rate social engineer who continues to profit from his exploits and doesn’t seem to have proven that he has reformed his attitude (just taking the path of least resistance… means that given the right opportunity he might take advantage of people again – doubt you can say that about Abagnale).