This is likely a prep for joining *A, as most *A carriers have this heathen lower standard. I absolutely HATE checking luggage and try to travel light to avoid putting my luggage in the hands of the baggage mishandlers, luggage throwers, and baggage losers employed by the airlines. It is a royal pain to be forced to travel even lighter. I like the carryon policy of EasyJet, which is that if it is okay sizewise, and I have always gotten my 22" onboard, then as to weight the only restriction is that one person has to be able to heft it into the overheard by himself.

Still, all things considered, it is better to be with *A and their luggage policy than with SkyTeam and its DL!