cmh, thanks for joining in. You will find that much of the whining is exacerbated by some of your fellow TSA screeners who like to visit these forums and show everyone their skills. Those skills for the most part have been how to look like a fool and show people what asses they are. Many of them have been combative, argumentative and downright rude. They tend to validate much of what is said here.
There are exceptions and we welcome reasonable and courteous participation. I will tell you though that there are many posters here who have decided TSA is a waste and nothing you or anyone else can say will make a bit of difference.
I agree, there are many many really talented, smart and dedicated people in the TSA, I have three close friends who work there and they use common sense and try their best to do a good job. They joined for the best of reasons (to help fight the WOT. Problem is, I'm sure you'll admit, some of the processes you must follow are bogus and need attention. The focus is too much on what happened before and less on what could happen tomorrow. Taking away scissors is no longer a valid action and lots of people see that. In addition, some of your co-workers are full of themselves and like to throw their weight around. Many have poor customer skills and they are the ones who hurt your reputation.
Keep on doing a good job, and remember that 99% of the travellers have no quarrel with the TSA and in fact, appreciate you.