I dont think it was meant as a pot shot at Americans!
they arent the only ones who take 100lbs of luggage by any means but they have good reason to on some occasions
1. everything in Europe must seem very expensive,toiletries/clothes etc
2. they can fit several huge suitcases in the trunk of their cars
3. they need the capacity to bring back some good chocolate
For me its great, you can go over with one case between 3 buy the camping gear in the US and bring it back with you at the end of the vacation, its still camping weather here in NJ in October this year, I didnt bring the mosquito spray but I should have crammed it in the luggage as I only made 17kg in one case out of the 3 I am allowed