OP here.

I got distracted by life and just returned to this thread as my trip in BA F is coming up in a week or so, but I wanted to reply to a couple of comments about the incident that prompted my query.

Yes, Alpha Golf (post 7) is correct that lifting carry on bags by flight attendants for passengers is specifically disallowed by many US airline policies, including my favorite domestic carrier.

That said, my situation on a domestic USA flight was, in fact, covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rules which supersede airline policies. After my second contact with the airline, they admitted as much (violating ADA) and apologized to me. I demanded my right to contact the Complaints Resolution Official (CRO) which may have been the magic words that got me taken seriously.

I wasn't looking for compensation primarily (though I got a small voucher toward future travel) so much as acknowledgment that I was wronged and better training for their staff to help future passengers.

As a regular traveler who can afford to book domestic first tickets at least some of the time to ease my (literal, physical) pain due to systemic arthritis, I have it easy compared to many others with physical limitations and more limited resources. This happened to me on an airline with which I have status on a flight I take regularly where I knew what to expect and took all possible steps on my own to get a seat where I could take care of my own needs. Airline operational needs ruined by carefully laid plans after boarding.

American law doesn't require me to "disclose" my "disability" in order to fly, but I learned from this experience that I probably should unless I want to risk even more embarrassing incidents in the future. At least, by identifying myself as having mobility limitations to agents at the gate and the crew at the door, I shouldn't again find myself in a position where I require help but need to shout out my status to a harried crew member across a full cabin.

As a person of middle age (40's) who enjoyed excellent health until the past few years, I've got emotional baggage to deal with regarding being "disabled." I'm learning to request every possible form of assistance ahead of time in spite of my preference not to use it. Sometimes, I may be that person other travelers judge as a "faker" because I walk off the flight and refuse my requested wheelchair escort. I'll have to live with their scorn. Autoimmune arthritis flares based upon many factors, and I can't predict how mobile I'll be after even a few hours in the air. If I can walk, my pain is actually improved by doing so.

But I learned everything I wanted to know about the personal, at seat, floor level storage in F on a British Airways A380 here, and I'm very grateful for the help.

--willo