I honestly feel this space is mostly for the aisle passenger. I stuff my laptop bag in it and make sure it leaves some room for the window passenger (split the center armrest over the space.) I wouldn't be wildly offended to not have that space but I do feel that the window seat has quite a bit of space (not for a very large bag) and the small space in front of the aisle is good for pretty much nothing. It may be inconvenient but I wouldn't get up in arms if I had to stow overhead as long as the space is there.