I was discussing this with my roomie last night, actually, the difficult situation the TSA agents are in. What seems to be one of the prevailing problems is the lack of training for what is a really delicate situation; this type of search has all sorts of legal implications if not done properly and as you say, the TSA people on the ground aren't properly supported by the higher-ups.

Which is to say, yeah, I agree with you. It's not the agents I'm angry at, it's those who decided to implement the procedures. Especially when there are alternatives, like the devices they're using in Canada now. Safe, non-invasive (they go for outlines, not details) and effective.