As I'm boarding a US flight today, in group 2 (because of status), FA observes that I have briefcase and small rollaboard. He tells me to put one piece under seat in front of me. I ask why, and of course he tells me it's a full flight and they will probably run out of overhead space. I protest that I'm 6' 3" and need all the footroom I paid for. I put my two pieces in the overhead, but as it turns out the bins didn't fill up. I was prepared to make a stand on the premise I purchased that foot area, and what's the point of early boarding to preferred customers if you can't store carryons that are well within airline specifications!
So my friends, can the airlines force us to do this?
The rules are the rules. What makes you so special that things shouldn't apply to you. That tall? Then you should have checked one of those to make sure you had the leg space. The FA is in charge, period, and you are allowed one bag in overhead and a small item under your seat. They sort of tell you that 10 times before you get on the plane.
You're not special. The rules apply to you. Either check bags or follow the rules. It's just too bad that nobody around you wanted to step up and point out how selfish you were acting.