If only the last sentence were so ... I was once told to throw out a half-empty, originally 4.2-ounce tube of toothpaste. (I was willing to squeeze some of it into my mouth to confirm that its contents were what they claimed to be.) I said something to the effect of "If you think throwing out this toothpaste will make air travel safer, out it goes." The agent replied "What I think, or what we both think, isn't the issue. My instructions are not to let it through. It's not worth my job to make an exception." (Going further into whether they're there for security or not would likely get this thread detoured into the safety/security forum in short order. I only mention this anecdote to suggest some of the constraints they work under and how they understand their position, not to start a debate.)

That said, I've had several interactions that prove your point about agents having feelings (and a sense of humor) - including one who made an all-in-fun attempt to "confiscate" my brand-new 17" MacBook Pro. Clearly, he appreciates the finer things in life!