From a pax point of view - on Sunday night I was waiting for an aircraft tha was 90 minutes late. Finally got to the point of boarding the aircraft when the ramp agent (female) started asking people to hand of their hand baggage as the aircraft was full and there wouldn't be space for it all. The first half dozen pax all had high level FF cards that allowed them to take those particular pieces of handbaggage on board. She gave one guy a particularly hard time, but he bit back as well. This time the shoe was on the other foot (pax had the upper hand), but had her laughing when he said:
"Look, we're an hour and a half late and now you're telling me I can't bring my hand luggage on board? At this time of day I'm usually arguing with my wife but because you guys have made me an hour and a half late and I'm missing my daily row, I have to have it with you!"
There were a few guffaws from the assembled pax as well, so it all ended amicably (with Mr. pax taking his carry-on on board)