Nothing senseless in this one, just inconsistency. I really like to sail smoothly through security without any fuss or holding people up, so I diligently prepare as far having items at the top of the bag for easy access. Like most (all?) I have on the odd occasion forgotten about something but am usually well prepared. Going through MEL T3 security recently I had all the relevant items into the tray promptly, no issue. I had forgotten I had a small umbrella in the carry-on (I don't even know if there is any literature or signage stating umbrellas must come out), but it didn't matter, there was no pull-up or reference to it (and I was still blissfully unaware of its presence).
However on the return at PER DJ security I had the normal items ready, and the guy asked if there was an umbrella in the case, and I recalled there might be. I quickly scrounged around for it in the bottom of the bag and found it (no harm done), but I do wish they were more consistent with this. Some on here have expressed that they like inconsistency when it comes to security as it'll help beat the bad guys, but I don't think this example fits that scenario.