Fry's Electronics has done this for many years.
It has not bothered me a bit. They are very quick, if you don't make a big deal out of it. And it delays you seconds rather than minutes. If it keeps anyone from walking out of the store with stuff they did not pay for, then it's a good idea and will help to keep the prices lower.
And as for: ..."Let me ask you this. What if all you Ladies have to start opening your purse and allowing a search of the contents? You guys have to turn out your pockets? You had to show a picture ID to pay for everything, no matter what method you use?..."
Well, that's a little like opposing a congressional bill, not because of what's in it, but rather because of something else unrelated to it that you fear will come to pass. Real stupid.