I agree that the "I'd rather not take off my shoes" and "Ok, I'll just take the secondary" statement gets a good response. The shocked expression of disbelief on the female screeners' face was well worth my price of admission!

Today at COS, since I didn't alarm, I was only subjected to the "Brand New Easier Procedure" that included having a seat and waiting for the "ERT" swabbing of my shoes.