Does this attitude only apply in airports, or do you apply the same logic to buses too?

And your better suggestion would be?

Also, I think you have pretty low standards for the height of stupidity, and also for being antagonized by minor inconveniences. When I opt out, they just have me stand aside until a screener is free.

There is the off chance that while they are waiting longer and watching their fellow travelers patted down more and more they will realize what a ridiculous show of security theater TSA checkpoints are. There are significantly easier ways to get contraband on board planes then the security checkpoints, and most of them involve weak ground crew security and checks.