I think it's just one of those YMMV things. I rarely check bags, and two occurrences this weekend served to remind me why. On my FLY3 RTs between DFW and AUS, I saw bags being chucked out of the AA plane next to us onto the tarmac. My bf flew to San Jose and had a second laptop (for a presentation) in his checked bag because he was unaware that AA claims NO responsibity for computers, jewelry, or other valuables in checked luggage, and it was of course stolen. Now, I'm not saying AA should compensate him for the computer, but I do think they should ask when you check a bag whether you have x, y, or z articles in there and inform you that they won't be held responible if the articles are damaged or stolen. The baggage handlers must make a tidy little side income fencing stolen property...