It is only odd in that most airlines do not give any indication of such a policy on their web sites, and do not announce it either.

I don't understand the drama.

If you are asked to help and are so inclined, then help.

If you are not so inclined to help, then don't help.

Same here.

You can usually tell that someone needs help, though not always. I banged up my shoulder recently and it would not be visible to anyone that my left hand is temporarily "out of order." Still, I handle my own stuff...

But if anyone asks it's because they actually need a bit of help. I don't think there are idiots out there who would just get a kick out of someone else stowing their stuff for them...

At UA the official policy is that FAs are required to assist passengers, but are prohibited from lifting. Like most policies, they word it in such a contradictory fashion so they ensure their employees are always in the wrong no matter what we do.

I'd debate back and forth in my head between responding with "certainly" and "absolutely" then do it. I often offer to put bags in the bin for women so I'm happy to help and show off my brute strength :D

The under the seat instructions when OH room or gate checking is available, seems odd imho..

Same.. especially when the ladies see how fast I can pack and stuff the carryons and utilize every cubic inch of space of the OH bins.:D

My mother who is in her late 60's travels fairly regularly overseas. I've convinced her to to pack lightly enough with her carry-on that she can lift it up into the overhead herself. We argued this point on and off for several years but I convinced her that she can't always rely on the kindness of strangers.

If I'm asked and someone appears to need help, I do it. On the other hand, I operate from the perspective of minimum footprint - I try not to impose on or affects others if I can absolutely avoid doing it.