This is a direct result of taking dodge ball out of the schools.....

Did you read that part where I mentioned "control the area"? Besides, this is "dropping your gun while getting a Jamba Juice", not tactical ninja nonsense.
Gone out of favor? I'm not sure when they came into favor, but if they did, it was after the greater part of a century of a very widespread use of revolvers with no manual safety even available.The whole incident should serve as poster child case for the importance of manual safety's. Never did get why they have gone out of favor with LE (and new shooters).
As stupid and irresponsible as was the agent's conduct. I don't think it rises to the level of criminal behavior. It was an accident. The agent did not intend to shoot anyone.
No, you don't. That's the point. And before I go on, review the other thread where I rip on Special Agent Clownshoes relentlessly, because he deserves it.
Go ahead and check the rulebooks for--oh, every action pistol sport ever. In each one that felt compelled to document the "dropped gun" procedure, you'll find that the standard is always "shooter steps back, RSO picks up the gun".
Why? Because dropping a gun and picking it up is dangerous, and people are prone to ****ing it up. That means you, me, and everyone else. The Booger Hook Chuckle and Holy Prayer of the Four Rules are the talismans we use to convince ourselves that it can't happen to us. Literally, the absolute worst, most disgustingly dangerous and reckless gun handling I've ever seen has come from "instructors" and Safety Sallies, because they think It Can't Happen To Them.
Christ, I saw a buffoon "demonstrate" the one-handed slide rack via belt--with a loaded, live pistol. In the 35 seconds it took this rube to get a round in the chamber, I beat feet. This same buffoon teaches some hopped-up IDPA safety course.