I take your point (but not the probe)... except in this specific case I was 10 minutes from the plane to the carousel and I don't think I've ever taken more than 30 minutes, usually abt 20 and the J/F bags are always there.
* Tips for shorter queuing times at LAX and probably anywhere (not saying you need the tips, just say'n):
- Walk rapidly from plane to immigration area. You've been in a tin can for XX hours, so the exercise will do you good (not for those sensitive to DVT though). Every 10 people or so you pass will save you time (based on 10 queues);
- Scan the queues. Avoid any heavy with pax apparently from Mexico, China, Korea, or with people with bits of paper in their hands;
- Go to the far end of the hall; most pax just join one of the first 1-3 queues they come across.