Re: Banned words - I have to say I think sometimes you have to accept that a language evolves and that words acquire new meanings.
Re: "9-11" - I don't really see this abbreviation as disrespectful. I sometimes want to refer to the event without using a long phrase such as "the September 11th terrorist attack on the World Trade Center." Unless or until this event has a "title," what's wrong with saying "9-11" or "September 11"?