As I said earlier, I went through lgw as a pax the other evening (north terminal) we all (5 of us) had 2 pieces of hand luggage each. However I do think the 2 piece rule means a bag of certain size (55x40x20 or whatever it is) and another small item, such as a laptop or handbag. If you turn up at security with 2 large items, I can completely understand why that's not allowed. Most airlines have a 1 item policy anyway, but allow for handbags etc. If someone comes on board one of my flights with 2 large items, I may have to put one of them in the hold. Not because I'm a baggage facist, but because there physically isn't any room in the overhead lockers.
Gg