This just begs the question in my mind...

Airports in India put a simple zip-tie on all checked luggage once it gets X-rayed in your prescence. I know that it is not hard to snap a zip tie, steal some stuff, and put a new one on , but it is something of a barrier.

Why don't we do this? Cost? For a couple zip ties. I think that the airlines should be wholely responsible for full replacement value of laptop and software, as long as it is declared in checked baggage. Why should they and the TSA get away with incompetence and criminal activity?