"I’m of the opinion that most of the horror stories you hear are outright fabrications or are, at a minimum, greatly exaggerated."
I'm of the same opinion. I fly quite a bit, and have never had a single problem with TSA security. That does not mean that problems don't exist, of course, but I think they're pretty rare.
Recently flew home from Denver to Newark Liberty. Flights on time and no security problems either.
She did get the full treatment early on.....but wanding only, no touching.
Hubby and I fly fairly regularly and have not had any problems at all.
Son flies Delta often and it's pretty much a disaster each time. Delays, missed connetions, and the like.
Since you're "MineralMan", I will assume that you are male. That said, I will tell you that I too fly a lot (AA Exec. Platinum) and as a female, I have had plenty of issues with the TSA. All of them having to do with the ridiculous groping that they do to ensure that the underwire in your bra isn't a nuclear device. Hopefully, the new guidelines will limit this type of activity.
I have also found that the best thing you can do to get through security without being harassed is to do exactly what they say and always remove your shoes, your jacket even if it's only a light sweater) and keep a smile on your face. They have a rotten job and I'm sure they're not thrilled about what they have to do.
I think the real problems with the TSA (outside of the 'fondling problem') happen because people give the TSA a reason to snap back at them. I also believe there's a fair amount of "class warfare" going on and that causes problems. (Generally speaking, I would guess that the TSA folks are not frequent airline travelers and as such may see themselves as the 'have nots' up against the 'haves'.
Just my opinion....
I'm of the opinion that most of the problems happen to folks who show up with a chip on their shoulder.