I guess it all comes down to asking the TSA to do what's easiest. They have bolt cutters, and they know how to use them, so why not go with it?

The most worrisome thing is I've been able to open a SearchAlert lock with a bent paperclip (bend the last 3-4mm at a right angle, insert into the "master key" slot, and jiggle it around a little. You will be surprised how easy it is!). This ClipLok is supposedly pick proof (has anybody tried to pick one yet? - I would be interested to hear the results).

Sure, if the TSA cut any type of lock off, and fail to place it back in your luggage (supposedly, along with a search advice), then the choice of locks is obviously irrelevant. If you feel this is the most likely result of most TSA searches, then I guess a $2.00 lock, offering at least a semblance of security, is the way to go.

This however is not my experience so far. On both occasions that my ClipLok lock has been clipped, it has been replaced correctly (maybe I was lucky enough to get ex pump attendants searching my luggage ...)

Another thought - if a SearchAlert lock is cut off, the lock becomes worthless, so the screeners will merely trash it. Technically, I guess they should be placing it back in the bag from which it was removed, but as a piece of trash, there's a pretty good argument for binning it on the spot.