We have been asked by the FAA (via recurrent training) to not allow anything but reading material in the seatback pockets, no purses, no dictionary sized books, no laptops, no DVD players etc. Not ONLY is the seatback not designed to hold such items (which is why the small metal rods give out eventually leaving behind a sagging seatback pocket), but also as someone else stated, they're not considered "securely stowed" because they're not contained.

It's also not appropriate to hold a laptop on your lap for takeoff or landing. I recently attended a cabin safety training with the FAA and during the G-Force study presentation it was fascinating to see what you really would not be capable of holding onto in an emergency.

In the end I understand we have busy travelers onboard, I understand customers want to board and get comfortable, but I ask people to understand we also have a job to do, to keep everyone safe and to abide by the rules set forth by the FAA.

I don't think it's too much to ask for pax to comply with requests (made in the interest of safety/security) made by the FA's, especially as they relate to preparation for takeoff or landing as those are the most important phases of flight as far as cabin safety and being prepared for a possible evacuation.