I do believe RDU is one of the worst but can't yet justify flying out from GSO. I may get there one day but not yet.
RDU (T2 at least ) No way to avoid it unless you just happen to get waved thru the metal detector, as all lines have it and the last few times they were putting 100% of the people thru it. I have always opted-out and I always calmly but firmly tell them I will wait to see my belongings then I break eye contact and wait for them. I haven't had anyone yell at me and have had mostly pleasant TSO's doing the pat down. If someone can be pleasant while doing such a thing to another person.
I don't like it, don't like they they are using it as their primary (or only) screening, but I don't provoke anything and have not had any real serious problems personally.