[Gorbzel]

I've opted out every time I traveled prior to the introduction of (opt-in, non-frequent flyer based) Precheck, so 8-10 times per year from 2010-2014(?) and never had a notable issue.

As the other child comment says, rights atrophy if you don't exercise them.

[leesalminen]

If you're traveling with someone you know, one trick to ending the pat down early is to try to embarrass the agent while in a sensitive area. My favorite is "you know, he's only doing this because his girlfriend dumped him and is lonely". ~50% of the time they stop immediately and say "you're good".

[camtarn]

Embarrassing the TSA agents might work sometimes, but some of them are also known to be vindictive and petty towards anybody who even seems like they might be challenging their authority. Given the possibility, however remote, of accidentally angering a vindictive and petty person who has power over my liberty and/or belongings... I think I'd just shut up and endure the pat-down.