Working crew are exempt from the same carryon limitations as the rest of us.

Back to the original question... some of our F/A readers can chime in on this, but I believe there have been a few instances of F/A's getting injured while assisting customers with bags who have subsequently had their OJI claims denied by AA? This may be a case of AA workers comp folks being extra judicious about a few questionable cases, or perhaps is a systematic refusal to cover such claims. I have heard this story before, but honestly can't remember the details.

But that aside, I have to fall into the category of you pack it, you lug it on this one. If you pack more than you can lift into the overhead, check it.