In other words, try to find an agent that will bend the rules...

Isn't that what astimm and I both said - the rule is not over 4 hours before scheduled departure but some agents will bend it and some won't?

In other words, read post #4 religiously but read all of it. Airlines aren't in the business of, nor are most airports equipped with facilities for unlimited storage of baggage just for passenger convenience. So airlines set rules for how early you can check bags. I know that the DYKWIA crowd feels that they should be allowed to do whatever they want, but it's reality - get used to it.

Jim