Some very narrow minded attitudes here...Perhaps you should consider a few wider options.
The threat of families being held hostage has been mentioned, probably wouldn't happen? Tell that to numerous bank employees....Is it too much trouble? No, all very easy really.
Short memories many of you, in the early 80's a woman was stopped taking a bag through LHR, which she had packed, only she didn't know the bottom was made of explosives and the calculator her 'boyfriend' had giiven her was in fact a timer detonator.
Yes, of course you can push the stick foreward and crash into whatever you like, no security is going to stop that possibility.
However, the search is to stop you taking something through you either don't know the contents of or to stop you giving something nasty to someone else, either intentionaly or otherwise.
I agree the search shouldn't be carried out in public, it should be done with respect and in a way that preserves your dignity, but so far, like CarltonBrowne the FO says, I have seen no reason to except aircrew from searches.