Originally Posted by J.Edward
There's not some conspiracy afoot to understaff EWR (or any other station) to reduce the number of checked bags. CO does get cargo revenue and they do already limit the amount of bags one can check (2 for Y, 3 for J/F). Of course, not everyone checks the maximum amount of luggage but I'm guessing if folks did, the rules would be revised.
I think the bigger issue here is that CO has grown ^ in terms of routes and passengers carried but not in terms of staff. Sure they might have recalled everyone furloughed after 9/11 and never gone through layoffs - but with added flights, higher loads and more gates (at least at IAH) there's more work to be done without an increase in personal levels (to the best of my knowledge).
Since I never originate in EWR, I can't speak to what the norm is or whether non-elites frequently use the elite line, but if that is the case, than CO needs to take additional steps to ensure that the line is used only for elites. Also, it's one of the busiest travel time of the year currently and that is unboubtedly affecting EWR check-in areas. CO needs to adjust their staffing levels accordingly.