I've taken to using a duffle bag for most solo travel. I can always find overhead space, even when boarding late, and it's much easier to lug around. My issue is that some people find it necessary to crush my bag with their suitcases. I've once found my bag in an L shape because someone decided it would be more expeditious to crush my bag than to move it aside.

Also, re: the elliott article, can we blame the gate lice phenomenon on him??