Consistency? Forget it - dozens of countries, hundreds of airports all run by humans ... and sadly the organism is not a perfect form.
I see no point in getting uptight about security.. I've given up on big carry-on bags, I don't even bother trying to get a laptop on board any more... plastic belt, plastic watch, slip on shoes... my glasses, pen, cellphone, ipod, wallet, change all in the hand-carry well before security, shoes on/off , who cares? - how hard can that be...? Surly, rude staff? - water off a duck's back. I have a way better job than they have and I'll be out of here in an hour and they'll still be doing this all day today, and tomorrow, and the next day... You should feel sorry for them not irritated with them. And for the polite, professional, efficient security staff, a smile and a thankyou ain't too hard is it
Arrive a little earlier at the airport, chill and all this Security 'hassle' becomes a non-event.. Whatever they want to do... but just make sure my flight is as safe as it can be - and those other 40 parked out there also.