No, changing the patdown procedure for children under twelve from the enhanced patdown
back to the standard patdown is, indeed, not just listening, but
responding. How can it be considered anything else???? Soothing? Really? Children were patted down prior to the changes earlier this month; this isn't new.
As for what results come from the TSA talking with the (relatively few) passengers who've had issues, well, we'll have to wait and see what happens. Maybe that is just placating, who knows? Maybe, on the other hand - here comes the optimist

- it will result in changes.