Look at details in the threads on AMS carefully. My impression is that most of the mess involves people trying to depart from AMS. Most connections there don't require a security check, assuming that you stay airside (i.e., no overnight connections, no LCCs/ULCCs that don't permit checking luggage through, etc.) and I don't think your itinerary would require passport control at AMS either. If you're concerned about lost or delayed bags, do carry on only or at least keep necessities for the first couple days in carry on.