Your status won't have any impact. (even if you had status with EI, it wouldn't have an impact)
It is the second bag each that is more likely to attract attention, than the extra half-inch on your bag. The second bag - which is actually a "small personal item" - is intended to be a small handbag (or "purse" in American), not a backpack.
https://www.aerlingus.com/travel-inf...cabin-baggage/
If at all possible, you should stuff your "backpacks" into your carry-on luggage.
You can never fully discount that some eager/motivated/jobsworth employee won't pull you up; but that's a risk you run everywhere. Though you are also just as likely to encounter distinterested staff, particularly at outstations.