I agree that Carry-on only can be the least hassle-free. However, there are a couple of issues for me:
* Outbound trips to see the grandkids typically involve citrus and other goodies from our place. (read: bulky, heavy)
* I am "vertically challenged" and now have an injured back, so lifting a 35 lb bag into the overhead is not a good idea in spite of the gentlemanly help I have had. Camera equipment is heavy enough.
I have done a 2-week African trip and some Europe trips with just a backpack in my younger days, and it was great.
My last long journey found me catching a toe in the wheels of a spinner bag and taking a nasty fall, so that's not necessarily the answer either.
I refuse to stay home but time and circumstances have a way of modifying behaviors.....