Dylsexlic,
I do understand that, which is why I said, 'Why people check in suitcases then want to take all that stuff on board'.
For those people who I could see just want to get on and then off without waiting I would let a little extra go, of course. But it is when people checked a suitcase in aswell. They obviously can't argue the 'dont want to wait at the other end' case.
Documents and files are obviously fine as these can be carried in a folder or briefcase.
I agree with you regards all the other stuff they can take on board, but what my point is, do they need a reinforced suitcase which weighs their total hand baggage allowance when it is empty, on board the A/C?