- Require authentication including a second factor to initiate and confirm the removal
Assuming a mugger isn't likely to sit there for 30 minutes given the chance someone could walk by. If this is the only way to remove the part such that it can be paired with another device, doesn't it solve both problems? I get the feeling Apple is being a bit disingenuous with their "risk to consumers" claims.
Anyway, no, the mugger isn't going to try to unlock it while holding you at gun point. They'll rip and run, and sell it for $20 to a fence who will pass it up the chain. Usually they end up in other countries.
Similar in concept to the groups that will take cars stolen in the US, grind off all the VIN plates and other identifying marks, fake paperwork, and then sell them into markets in Africa and the Middle East where the buyers don't ask questions, and government officials are easily and publically bribed.
How feasible would it be to tighten up port security to stop the export of stolen cars?