Re Cabin bags on Easyjet - I never had a problem with cabin bags - but then again mine was always small enough to fit under the seat in front of me if I absolutely had to.I also always checked in early and watched the screens like a hawk - then got to the gate
fast to be near the front of the queue for boarding.
I do realise that it is not possible to always check in early due to work/traffic etc but is usually worth the effort.
Speedy boarding is a joke - I usually boarded a milli second behind the speedies