I can't pass up this chance on a good rant. First off, I've 'dirt' status with one airline; 'nada' status with another; and 'zilch' with another of the majors. I do travel several times per year; rarely if at all with a 'suitcase'. {I did carry a regulation rollaboard during my 1st RTW trip] That said.....

I generally ride in the back of the bus on domestic and try to adhere to the 'borading by zone', but when I've had my ticket for 60+ days in row 12, then get BP to board with zone 5, there has never been space above my space, due to the fact that Mr & Mrs Row 36D&E have put their carryon suitcases above my seat!

Now, I like comfort as much as the next guy and try to put my backpack in the overhead as it 'conforms' to the space available and I have done longer flights 4+ hrs with a bag between my feet. I must agree with some of the other posters that if the 'carryon' limit were enforced that alone would reduce the 'gate lice syndrom' and the jockeying for position when boarding as well as overhead space. I'm sure someone riding in the back of the bus will have (in their mind) a good reason to put their carryons in the FC or E+ overheads but come on--give me some space too.