Hi, after reading and benefiting from this wonderful forum for years, I am glad to find a reason to actually register and contribute in a small way.

I got my MEI Executive Overnighter a few weeks ago. Took it onto my first trip JFK-TXL and TXL-MUC on AirBerlin last week, Economy. AB has a 8kg carry-on limit (plus laptop). I saw that at both JFK and TXL, some carry-on bags were weighed, and this also happened to my wife's 22" carry-on (she was advised to check it). I had my EO bag (with shoulder strap) partially behind my back, and managed to get past the agents at check-in and at the beginning of the security line, as well as the gate agent. Same in Berlin for the gate agent. What might have helped, too, was the fact that both the bag as well as my winter jacket were of the same black color. With about 12 kg the bag would definitely have been above the weight restrictions, and while not bulging, it was also not exactly slim looking.
My experience may not be representative for European carriers, but I hope it helps a bit. May be able to expand on this with more trips lined up in the near future.

Good luck and please report your experience. Great bag so far!