[QUOTE=COEWRFA;11650033] In all reality though, small bags are to be stowed under your seat and the larger bags go in the bin.

Well, it would be nice if that happened, but it is not a requirement. Many times PAX will notice me looking for space for a larger bag and will offer to put their smaller bag under their seat (which is much appreciated), but I never go around telling people they have to. Sometimes that's all they brought on board, and that's the reason they travel light (like the OP), to keep the legroom.