My point is: why? Why does the TSA (a Federal agency) offer differing services based on your value to the airlines? In my humble mind, these two are orthogonal.

My point is: why? Why does the TSA (a Federal agency) offer differing services based on your value to the airlines? In my humble mind, these two are orthogonal. Of course, if you have one of those Trusted Traveler statuses, it is different, as the TSA has screened you. But your airline status has absolutely nothing to do with the TSA!