Having recently returned from my trip, I thought I would post my experiences here.

If you don't wan't to read the whole story: Don't carry vast quantities of darkroom chemicals in your checked luggage

I checked in the case containing the box of chemicals, and headed to the lounge in JFK, where I helped myself to some decent sparkling wine. While nibbling on a sandwhich, I was paged to the reception desk, where I was informed that there was a message for me at the gate. I instantly knew it was about the bag and not for the op-up I was dreaming of. At the gate, someone I could only describe as a manager of some sort, informed me that the TSA was unwilling to clear one of my bags because its contents were prohibited, she asked what was in it, and I explained.

I'll summarize the rest of the conversation
1: The Manager was apologetic that there was little she could do to help, as normally the TSA would remove the offending items, and clear the rest of the bag. In my case, the vast majority of the bag contained offending items.

2: I agreed and understood both where the TSA and BA were coming from, and agreed to leaving the bag behind. I also accepted that I was prepared never to see it again, even giving my full permission for it to be destroyed if neccessary. My reasons were that a) I didn't care about anything in the bag other than a few replacable gifts for my father, and the suitcase itself which was rather new. b) I am of a certain complexion that has in the past encouraged random security searches, and did not want to be on some TSA list. c) The flight was boarding, and I didnt want to hold it up.

3: Here is where the manager surprised me, she asked If I would like to phone somebody to collect the bag, to which I explained I wouldnt want to subject the other Mr. Amargrossa to another trek to JFK (after he had just dropped me off), she said that BA would hang on to it, and that I could collect it from baggage services upon my return in 3 weeks. She mentioned that it would not be treated officially as an item of lost luggage, so wouldnt show up in the system, but would be there in the office waiting for me when I returned. She suggested that when I landed in MAA, I should file a report with the baggage desk there just to be sure.

Upon reaching MAA I filed a report, and was told that my bag was not in the system, which I expected.

I reached JFK a few days ago, collected my checked in luggage, cleared customs and headed straight for baggage services. When I gave them the brief story, I was taken to the store room where I was re-united with my suitcase filled with chemicals. I was extremely surprised that not only was the bag there, but the whole affair from begining to end was extremely pleasant, polite and courteous.