I suppose you are right on this one. In the U.S., not only are the bag fees driving more carry-ons, but the completely pathetic post-flight baggage service at many U.S. airports (IAD, for example) is a VERY big disincentive to check anything. Talk about watching the seconds of your life tick away, check a bag and wait for it to come out.

Much of the rest of the flight "process" has been commodified. Maybe there will soon be a distinction between what elites / non-elites can carry on-board. If they did this I would hope that they make the cut at least at 1P and above.