true, but that only skims the surface ... it is really about the airlines' willingness to invest in what it takes to accomplish said enforcement ... it requires people to actually DO the enforcing, and it requires those people to take time away from doing other things, and there are tangible and intangible costs associated with each thing that is or is not accomplished

As travelers are becoming more savvy and realizing early to board
means no trouble finding space for their stuff... they are starting
to work the system.

It seems that one only need proclaim they need extra time boarding
to become the first to board... and wielding a cane is visible proof.
Some don't even provide proof... I witnessed one lady standing for
at least an hour prior to boarding then claiming needing extra time
when she could clearly walk just fine.

At some point when everyone is claiming early boarding is required
and there is chaos finding space perhaps the airlines will wake up
and do something. For the moment, it seems they are content
with the situation as is and we will not change it by this thread.

Even if they enforced exact restrictions about carry-ons, the simple fact is that there is not enough room on board aircraft as they currently are configured to handle everyone's luggage. Fewer empty seats combined with squeezing more seats on board means more luggage to be carried. The real way to fix the problem is to offer either more storage space on board (an additional storage unit for cases), or to find a better way to manage checked or at least gate checked luggage.

Adds about 30-60 seconds in my experience of easyjet (and other LCC). It really is not that hard. And that is only for those that have not read the rules, you do not see anyone trying it on with the ridiculous amounts of carry-on that United allows. People would soon learn, FT would light up if they actually did it. Now that would be a change I would like !

They also ( the F/a ) monitor the overhead bins. When they are full they notify the gate/boarding area and they start checking the bags.
Wife was just on VX flight in the last boarding group and watched this.
:)