seems to to be a step in the direction of Spirit, and yet another degradation of the passenger experience.
Sorry but this bit is just nonsense, they are not doing this to get more bag fees (AA gate checks for free) or to make it such that you can only travel with a carry on that goes under the seat vs OHB unless you pay more - IOW not at all like Spirit. They are doing this because...well they have to! If you're an airline and the FAA, who is the primary regulatory body that governs your business, tells you that you need to step up your compliance...logic and reason dictate you comply as the ramifications of not doing so can be significant.