I noticed that lately, TSA seems to be kind of getting a bit out of control. I wonder why, as there hasn't been any threats to aviation lately.

Here's what I've observed:

2001: Private security - very, very strict after 9/11
2002: TSA took over, very strict too, more consisent, limited scope, IDs required
2003: Breast groping controvosy, a bit loosened up but still very strict, CAPPS II scandal
2004: Loosen up a bit
2005: " " "
2006: Loosen up considerably; tightens up somewhat again with the liquid ban
2007: Tightens up quite a bit; ID checks, SPOT gaining monetum, getting new uniforms resembling police officers' uniforms, longer lines, increased gate checks, proposing Secure Flight again
2008: ??? (REAL ID, but that's DHS's decision, not specifically TSA; and battery controvosy; but blame FAA & DOT, not TSA)

It seems to me that TSA is kind of returning to the old days when things were more strict. Compare that to 2005 and 2006 (until the liquid ban), when TSA was more neutral - didn't do ID checks, SPOT (a few airports only in sensitive areas), and was pretty much primarily only for screening passengers. Now, TSA seems to be becoming more strict like after 9/11 - but I could be wrong. Do you think TSA is more or less strict than when it was first implemented?

And, if you agree with my assessment, why do you think that is, especially if it's been a while since 9/11? What caused TSA to be more strict now?