I like to express my gratitue to everyone who has expressed their opinion and to SDF_traveler for that extremely nice private message. To FWAAA, a big thank you for making me feel welcomed by americans. At least there may be hope in finding a genuine, honest and sensitive american.

I kind of suspected that the 1 inch rule was only a guideline but had been fussed about here by frequent posters for its minor annoyance.

To be honest, i was kinda a bit upset by the impression left by the female supervisor more than the agent. I didnt raise my voice at any time but asked at least 3 times whether they were sure they wanted to do the shoe carnival and it was an obvious attitude of indifference towards reasonable travellers as well as not taking pride in doing your job. Either complaint letters are falling upon deaf ears or that employees can't be bothered.

I do have names and the TSA badge numbers but am not sure if its worth the effort.

The concern i have about the "shoe carnival" is that how safe and clean are those floors we are made to walk upon either with socks or bare feet. In the USA where details are sometimes hard to keep track,it is reasonable that someone will get some foot disease from being made to walk upon dubiously clean floors. If TSA make children take off their shoes, is it probable that it can be a source for hand, foot and mouth disease.

With the amount of discretion being allowed to TSA, i did bring it up with the United Ground security controller who promised to follow up with the FSD. Its questionable whether anyone is supervising TSA.

In some conversations with cabin crew of asian airlines, i've been told that the GSC has told them to just follow what the TSA asks as the TSA are the authority with screening and no point arguing with them.

Thats why i asked for opinions and am doubtful whether to send a letter to the FSD for DCA airport.

Hopefully, "BART" might read this thread and pass the feedback to his head office.

once again, thank you