I have questions about the legal basis for this type of screening.

We first started out with screening at the checkpoint. All passengers are searched so that the requirements for an administrative search can be met.

Then we had searches at the jetway. They are to be completely random (which in reality doesn't appear to be the case), so that would help meet the administrative search requirements. And, in fact, the TSA set it up to be completely random and not arbitrary to avoid additional legal problems.

But now, we have multiple TSO's hanging around gates for what purpose? To search based on what a person looks like? That doesn't appear to pass the smell test. So what am I missing?