I wouldn't recommend wearing studs either or anything that a venue may think would hurt somebody in a mosh pit. studs, chains, etc...
If your MD runs on just one AA battery then if you have a spare pager around put the battery in that and just do a battery transfer once in the venue.
Seems like a lot of the new MD recorders are mostly cheap plastic nowadays. I guess that could be good in this situation
I always say 'go for it' also. I even got in line twice at a APC show after I got caught the first time figuring what the hell. During the second check the main security guy had me set aside for a thorough spread eagle pat down and still nothing. No metal detectors though.
most important is to stay cool and calm Maybe throw some coins and a fat lighter in your pocket with some cigarettes even if you don't smoke. You'll be good to go.