Globes: "but the first security screening is bound to take much longer if pax are still attached to their checked baggage as well as their cabin baggage."
I was suggesting that ALL screening take place at the gate. Folks can carry what they want and get screened once and the hold/cabin split happens there and then.
The problems of adopting this way of handling bags would mean that it could only be done with a new build terminal. I can see that bag handling space would not all be saved.
Memetic: I agree! A fantastic idea to get credits for unused weight.