have you ever considered that maybe your average security/customs official isn't the 'sharpest tool in the shed'(excuse that attrocious pun!) on an intellectual level,so realistically,what can one expect??
of course they may well see a threat in your 2cm safety pin/blunt teaspoon/nail clipper/etc.
Add that with a hint of good old US xenophobic/racist/religious fervour,and thats what we all end up with.
