I have to say, after my experience flying LGA-DTW and back last week, that crowding the gate doesn't seem so crazy. On both flights I boarded in Zone 1, and managed to get the last available overhead space in the section for my reasonably size, soft-sided carry-on bag. It discourages me that even our elites can't show restraint, and decency, when it comes to carry-on bags.

On the first leg, in row 6 of an A320, the first two banks of overhead space on my side of the aisle were full before even half the passengers in those seats were on board. I used the space in the opposite side and felt guilty for it. Turned out the guy opposite me in row 6 had filled my side with two large bags. I'm sure the look of astonishment on my face as he pulled them down didn't phase him in the slightest.

On the way back, upgraded to F, I managed to get the last spot, and only because my bag was so much smaller than the others.