B Sousa - if I may, can I pick up on a couple of points:
1. Presumably, you flew CO from Cleveland, Ohio to Gatwick, as this always operates on a 757-ER aircraft. This information is clearly stated on CO's web-site, and is also freely available through the agents and consolidators selling their tickets, so I don't understand how you feel justified in criticising CO for doing exactly what they said on the tin!
2. Since 09/11, the standard of catering in economy on all airlines has deteriorated - especially US carriers. Indeed, on certain American Airlines flights (and we're talking Intercontinental here) a "goody" bag is thrown at you as you wait in the jetty, and that's your lot for the flight duration!
3. All European carriers are supposed to enforce Cabin Baggage weight limits - not just for Economy but also for Business or First class pax.
Our weight limits are far less than our US counterparts allow (and our BA Engineers still think CO's "reinforced" lockers would not be man enough to cope with a dose of clear air turbulence! As they say, it's not the lockers you need bother about, it's the catches on the locker doors!) The fact that certain airlines, and individual staff members, ignore obviously heavy cabin bags is nothing short of criminal - and if we have, heaven forbid, death and injuries resulting from loose baggage flying around the cabin, I hope those responsible can live with their consciences!!!
Indeed, those lengthy queues at security are mostly caused by the flotsam and jetsam most passengers insist on taking as cabin baggage. A small briefcase will go through the scannners in 15 seconds flat, a packed out trolley bag, 2 minutes!
Money crunch - no, safety yes!!!