I was sitting at the gate in ZRH the other day, wearing very casual clothing, with my standard rollaboard bag and was targeted whereas various suits with similar bags around me weren't. Told her I was taking it with me, mentioned nothing that could make me a "DYKWIA?" and she moved on. Not sure if she assumed I was status less and/or down the back as I didn't look like I'd just stepped out of my MD/CEO office or suchlike.
Nothing said when I boarded with group 1 and sat down in 1F.
Had a couple of other times recently where they've announced, generally, that "the plane is completely full and would you like to gate check your bag?" After boarding is finished, 1/3rd of the plane is empty.
I just go landside now for connecting flights. After the last time I used airside flight connections, I vowed never again. Staff are ill-mannered dicks at security and it takes longer and is more stringent than anywhere else I've been to so far whilst remaining in a secure area and connecting to say a domestic flight.