Not always, and not even in my recent trip referenced. Not all items carried in the carry-on were a matter of needing them in-flight. Some of it was a matter of valuable items that I prefer not to check, and medical equipment I prefer not be banged around in a checked bag. Additionally, this trip I packed "heavy" due to the extended length of the trip. And more-so for the wife, daughter, and granddaughter staying even longer and who packed for a 6-8 month stay. Admittedly, I could have paid extra to my EAS connecting carrier and brought an additional checked bag and thus reduced the weight of the carry-on. But since I was offloading the family stuff from my one checked bag at destination and did not expect to need the additional bag for the rest of the trip and the return, it would have been extra hassle moving them around and extra cost.

Let's bring back the good old days of two free checked bags @ up to 70 pounds each, and 70% average load factors. Some of you will know what I'm talking about. ;-)