Would you guys really let an airline handle your luggage on a 6h+ layover?

Ever since the Dr. told us about bins not being set up for international flights before 4h before departure time, Ive been making conscious decisions to not connect more than 4h without takimg my bag.

Especially since gates are often not assigned that early and subject to change, I dont want my luggage to be forgotten in some random corner of the airport because the gate changed and there was a shift change between handlers, and now my bag is delayed.

Seems risky to me, but maybe I'm overhedging.