It's mainly idiot pax who slow the process down - not the security personnel.
That simply isn't true. The reason the security process is so slow in UK airports is insufficient investment in both infrastructure and personnel. As far as European airports are concerned the problem is largely only in the UK. Massive airports like FRA operate a much more efficient security service. Why ? because the owners have invested sufficient resources to provide an adequate service.
As for some of the comments regarding the security staff all pax are paying customers and therefore have the right to critisize the standard of service they are receiving, some security staff, not all, simply do not get this concept. If I walk into my bank after, idiotically, losing my card I do not expect them to call me an idiot, even if I am. I expect to be dealt with efficiently and be on my way as soon as possible.