I try to only have a small backpack that holds laptop, kindle, phone, wallet, snacks etc. Easy to put on the floor and I have access to everything. I try to be considerate if and when.
(Crying babies don't trouble me.)
However re. overhead...in my opinion I have as much 'right' to use it as any other passenger and should not be penalized for having smaller, manageable luggage.
I have never been instructed not to use it.
People will have different opinions.