I think i was the one who first mentioned the security checks (Yes comparing it to an airport security checkpoint was exaggerated but i was thinking more in terms of bag search rather than a full body search).

What your describing there regarding the bag searches fits in quite well with my recollection of the place. I did visit not that long after the olympics so that probably explains my more heavy handed recollection of the system.

Did they ever relax the security at the entrances to Tianamen?