Considering I spend most of the year travelling around or living in East Asia, my best choice is just to avoid the US completely, including transit flights (as we now have our passports checked).

I know the chances of being asked anything, including, "have you bought pirated movies or software while in Asia?" Is pretty hard to refute if you've lived or traveled there for the last decade.

This is not useful advice. Can you prove that you have a license for all the media and software on your machine?

Remember, in this case the burden of proof is on you. Somewhat similar to the way the BSA does audits (or the IRS for that matter).

I don't think the agents are all that sophisticated, but if they notice you doing any funny business, you will get the third degree. So don't try anything.

If you're that concerned, make sure it contains nothing but Free (libre) software. Then you will be able to prove your innocence.

Let me say this a different way: having any media on your machine whatsoever is now "funny business". If you have movies ripped to your laptop for your kids to watch, as I do, then you can legally be held under suspicion of piracy, and your property can accordingly be confiscated. The burden is on you to satisfy whatever requirements the government may have for the media.

I certainly don't like it either. I think reforms are needed.

My answer was just to help someone stay out of trouble. Trying to mislead border control is a bad idea.