Great idea. Wish I'd read this before my last opt out last week...Also, for the OP - before you even get to the checkpoint, make sure your wallet, jewelry etc are locked into your carryon using a TSA-unfriendly lock (without a keyhole on the bottom or TSA printed anywhere on it.) They're not that easy to find in the size you want, unfortunately - try here: http://amzn.to/lvXZBA

I never remove anything from my carryon - I figure they're going to go through it all anyway and I'm way more concerned about my stuff walking away than I am about their security theater. (If you're questioned you can always claim you forgot to remove your liquids baggie or whatever.) If you think you may be forced to put your laptop into a bin, ahead of time get yourself a Kensington lock (try here: http://amzn.to/lIigVR) and lock the computer to your carryon handle.

My last few opt outs haven't been horribly traumatizing, until last Wednesday when I had a clerk spend more time than I'd have liked with her hands in my junk. If you have a bad experience, complain to the ACLU here: https://secure.aclu.org/site/SPageNa...avel_Complaint and TSA here: http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/civilr...complaint.shtm (although, be aware that filing a complaint with TSA may land you some extra surveillance later or at best be a waste of your time.)

Good luck!