Some US airports are better than others. Generally, I find getting through Phoenix on the way out takes less time than coming back through Heathrow, the immigration people are friendly and polite without being obsequious, and they're pleasure to deal with. Chicago isn't bad, LAX and MIA are the pits, and ezyBoh is the first person I've heard with a good word to say about JFK!
San Diego used to let you stand there while they X rayed the suitcase, but that's changed a bit. The problem when flying internationally may well not be the US but somewhere else - it's not known as 'Thiefrow' for nothing!
Still, the derogation by TSA of responsibility for damage and theft is disturbing.