"If I fail to put stuff back in the correct pocket, if I neglect cords and cables and shove them haphazardly in a random bag ... When things are falling apart, the simple task of not being able to find a pen feels like a disaster."

Well said. I've been trying to communicate this very point to a friend. You put it so eloquently. I think the relevance of this point goes much further than travel.

Many great suggestions. The Global Entry program sounds like the best solution right now, especially because the check-in time is being extended beyond reason at some airports. For e.g. 2 hrs for local flights and 2.5 to 3hrs for international flights at MSP.