Biccy C,
I agree. I don't like the idea of luggage under the seat in front in the exit rows. The policy at DJ is all hand-luggage must be stowed in the overhead lockers-- although guests may keep jackets and reading material. (on thier laps) I always offer to make the guest a little more "comfortable" by offering to stow thier jackets for them-- just for my own piece of mind.
Before boarding I will always close the lockers above the exit rows so that they are left free for those in the exit rows. I find that most of the time the other guests assume that they are full and don't pop thier stuff up there.
love SMILE