FA's can gate-check a rollaboard. It is virtually impossible for a gate-check to be misrouted, and they're returned promptly upon arrival. I agree FA's should not be checking luggage the regular way.

If you see an FA at security or sitting in the terminal with a rollaboard and two other things, the rollaboard may be headed for the belly. Of course, with the new carry-on restrictions, FA gate-checking may no longer be necessary.

Besides, who cares? Passengers and crew have always been treated a little differently. This shouldn't be news.