Not flame bait, just agreeing with the fact that it's SAD that a crew has to declare an emergency to get a NY controller to switch runways just because of a dep/arr flow pattern.
Controllers do NOT make runway selections!
Airlines make runway selections. I have read many posts that convey the idea that controllers do not want to provide the airlines with the safest operation available. If we could make the choice you would ALWAYS land and depart into the wind. Why because its safer! We do not get to make that call.
It is sad that an emergency had to be declared to swith runways, but I believe it's sad for differing reasons!