Check a bag when required.
Why carry stuff around an airport if I don't have to? There are regular lengthy distances involved so let someone else take the strain.
If the wait at a baggage carousel is going to affect me I should have got an earlier flight.
I'd rather have something and not use it than regret not having it.
I wouldn't wash clothes in the sink at home so there's no way I'm going to do it while away.
If I lose some clothes I can always replace them, and the airline or insurance will pay. So what if I have to wait a few weeks for the money.
Less stress about overhead bin space.
No valid reason yet on this thread to change my practice.