My experience is that, if I assume the guy I'm dealing with is pretty much like me (a guy who wants to be a nice guy and get through the day with minimal hassles), and treat the guy well and respectfully, things go well. If I assume the guy to have a priority in scamming me, hassling me, demonstrating his "superiority" or otherwise being a d*ck, then things go south.

I've had excellent dealings with TSA, having flown on numerous occasions. Think about that for a minute, then do as you please.