I strongly agree, and would ask should the general principle not be :
"take on board as hand luggage anything that you might reasonably anticipate wanting to have available DURING the flight"
Sounds to me like you never lost your luggage ...
In addition to what I want to have available during the flight (not much really), I also keep medication etc. in my hand luggage, as well as some small stuff I might need on the first day/night at my destination in case my suitcase went missing!