I cannot remember the last time I saw anyone challenged by airline staff at the gate for having too many or too large bags. Last time was years back when I was pulled aside in Paris and asked to put my bag in the slot, which fitted perfectly, much to the chagrin of the gate guard.
The key problem.... the lack of will to confront the issue and enforce the rules. And the CC dodge confronting the people who dump their bags in the club cabin and wander down to the back of the aircraft. I find American carriers much better at managing this, particularly with many allowing "aircraft door checking" of bags.