I don't think annecdotal evidence "they didnt check on my flight" is useful here. You just need a gate agent with a bad night's sleep to check and you are off. I had an LH agent in a bad mood force me to check a US size carry-on when I was flying business class!
if you are worried about it and have to go to the counter anyway, just check the bag and enjoy your trip! One gate dragon can ruin your travel, it's just not worth it...
LH gate dragons are especially fierce