Any reasonably frequent flier knows (or should know) the rules around short-checking baggage. The CoC are not irrelevant, and your unwillingness to read them does not make them go away. Also, the 'I've done this before so why can't I do it now' line of argument has, in my experience never ever work.
Finally, I did have some sympathy for you until I read this:
Originally Posted by
tmac100
I have sent a registered letter to both Sheikh Mohammed, Ruler of Dubai (and owner of EK), and to Tim Clark (CEO of EK) expressing my extreme displeasure and embarrassment about my state of hygiene and the inability to provide (promised) gifts to friends in Dubai/Mirdif/Al Ain. (as there were 3 different bottles of excellent port purchased in Lisboa and Porto)
That did make my day!