Has anyone else noticed this? There seems to be a charm offensive going on, or perhaps better training focused on "customer" relations.

I always opt out. And I've had many patdowns. When nudiescans were first introduced and there was more of a selection process rather than a herding process, I seemed to get 'randomly' selected fairly regularly. As you are doubtless aware, when the 'enhanced' patdowns first reared their ugly head they were vigorous. Full-on touching of the "resistance". There was also alot of barking and questioning of one's opting out.

However, over the past few months I have noticed a significant demeanor change by the clerks: more smiling, less barking. Last week it was even over-the-top:

Me: "I'm opting out."

Clerk: "Absolutely. That's no problem. That's your choice. Have you been through this before?"

Me: "Many times."

Clerk: "Ok, if you would just wait over here for a moment please."

No barking or yelling of "Opt out!". Another clerk even gathered my trays and brought them over to where I was standing. The pat down stopped several inches short of "resistance". There was no apparent concern as to wether this frequent traveller suddenly woke up one day and decided to carry WMD in his boxer shorts. I actually felt like something other than a suspect. It was fascinating.

Two weeks ago I was even smiled at in St Louis, of all places. Week before that, I was unmolested in Boston. (I know...)

What say you? Charm directive? Better training? Better hiring? Or have I just been on a lucky streak? Or.... is this just a function of a natural waning of intensity from those charged with performing 'enhanced' pat downs?

And, finally, can we still feel "Safe" (TM) in the absence of high strung, coarsely ground safety "officers" placing their hands on our genitalia?