I think that seems a bit extreme. I've opted out of nearly every flight I've been on (unless crunched for time due to traffic of crazy lines or something) and I've never been treated like this, I'm not defending the TSA, I'm just saying this isn't "normal". Sometimes they'll make you stand around and wait, the shoving and the intimidation has never occurred. Making the jump to the idea that a TSA officer has a weapon, or can "issue a hit" is absurd.

edit: Also, the most shocking part of the whole ordeal is usually the looks from the OTHER people in line, like they think you're going to be killed or assaulted, or "why don't you just cooperate, it's easier". That's the part that really makes me sad.