All very good and valid points....

The viv is very easily seen as safe. It has two doors with huge locks, etc. The light was on, they could clearly see she was asleep/not going anywhere....

taking the snake "upstairs" isnt an option, with them knowing about it. According to them the snake can NOT be IN the house when they are there.

I completely understand that snakes, especially a 15ft Burm is not exactly "comforting" to those not herp friendly...but seriously? Lets say I keep pet pirahnas (sp?). Are they not going to come in my house because my fish are in their tank, even though they can, and will, attack humans and eat them?