[jcape]

The phrase to describe this view is "false dichotomy": the answer is either someone sticks their fingers in my pants or taxis are allowed to drop people off at the stairs to the plane, 1950s style. There are shades of gray, and complaints about the TSA tend to take the form of "you are nearly black to no effect." I should also note that your language about "if the TSA is an effective means of instituting these safety precautions" is pure question begging. As though the only way to ensure security of travellers is to (effectively) strip search them all, but maybe if the TSA had an IG they would get around to deciding that nail clippers are not a problem sooner. Or perhaps the Bureau of Prisons would be better trained to handle airport security.

Regarding proposing solutions, Bruce Schneier, who was describing TSA efforts as "security theater" at least 5 years ago, is perhaps among the most famous: he's been on 60 Minutes over the issue, publicly debated the former head of the TSA, and testified before Congress as to what measures real security would entail. Just last week there was a humorously worded rant about the TSA's stunning lack of competence by the former head of Israeli airport security, Rafi Sela.

It's also worth noting that the biggest objectively measurable improvement to travellers' security is the change in attitude of travellers themselves. The belief of passengers that they will be flown to Cuba and a release negotiated was dispelled even before 9/11 was over. These days, when someone tries to light their shoes on fire, passengers can be reliably counted upon to beat them down. Literally.