So "PreCheck" is the opportunity to pay extra to the gubmint for the privilege of not being groped?
Now they have a third option called 'Clear'. It costs more, but it gets you through quicker. Basically, they took the fees that they collected from Pre-check users and used that money to create the Clear system. So basically, they stripped resources away from Pre-check making that line slower so that the new Elite class could breeze through.
I call it the Sneetch effect. If you remember that book, the Sneetches. Some entrepreneur racked up a ton of money putting stars on Sneetches and then taking them right back off. Same with TSA Precheck. They charge you for 'elite' status, and then come up with something better right after you paid.
Anyway, I went ahead and paid for Pre-check when I got my TWIC card. It was priceless when I did a lot of travel. But now not so much, especially when traveling with my non-Precheck family. The best part of it is not having to take my shoes off, and not having to take my CPAP machine out of my carryon. Oh, and not getting radiated by that people x-ray machine.