So, some of this bothers me and makes me even more wary of traveling to the US.

I don't own a personal cell phone. I don't own a personal laptop (yeah, I have this weird computer box that sits under my desk, go figure). If I were traveling for personal reasons, as a tourist, I would have no digital devices with me (beyond a cheap digital camera). What we are saying here is that I would possibly be subjected to extra scrutiny and possibly be denied entry to the US because I live simply.

My wife's flip phone with no data plan? Unusual, requires scrutiny, I guess.

Guess I'm not traveling to the US any time soon.