Sadly have to agree about the "theater" of screening passengers.
Regarding cues, it is simply a social stigma attached to the game we love. A pool cue is less of a weapon than a titanium tennis racket or "walking" stick I see people take on the plane. The game is only played by scum so a pool cue must be just a weapon of choice. Sadly it appears to be the way some segments of our society view us. A couple of years ago, the TSA approved allowing pool cues to be carried on board. The Union representing the flight attendants voiced their disapproval. Too dangerous to their personal safety. Want to change the rule? Start with the Union.
Safest thing to do is carry your cue and case packed in a larger bag and checked through to your final destination. If you choose not to do that, ship the case via UPS or Fed Ex to your hotel and have it held. Sad, but we don't make the rules. Or do we.
Lyn