Based on ORDofcr's pictures, I would say that at least placement at ORD makes sense. However, I have to agree that the signage is deliberately poorly worded, and the signs are too small to make any sense.

Herewith are pictures I took recently in ATL. I purposefully self-selected into the line leading to the NoS, which thankfully was out of commission that day. As you can see, from the line for the NoS, the signs are not placed in a way that allows for easy access/reading. It's difficult to tell from the pictures, but these signs are about 2.5 to 3 ft away from the line.

Please also note in the second picture, that the natural progression of the line into the NoS and WTMD leads one away from the signs, discouraging even a cursory glance. IMHO, the TSA can say they are there, but really isn't interested in anyone actually reading them.