Problem (mostly) solved !
Here's a controversial thought for you, I mostly blame the CSM's !
Most of the posters in this thread are suggesting that "the airlines" should enforce the rules.
Well hello !!!
What is the suggestion, That AJ stands at each and every boarding gate and inspects / measures / weighs each and every passengers bag ?
No, The CSM's need to "grow a pair" and tell the boarders to make sure that cabin baggage limitations ARE ENFORCED.
And in the event that any ground staff or duty airport manager gives the FA's / CSM's a hard time then the Captain needs to stand up for the cabin staff and tell the ground staff that these are the rules and the cabin staff are right to enforce them.
I'm definitely not one for supporting AJ, but in this case "The Company" HAS made the rules, if the staff are not going to enforce them, whose fault is that ?
Captains reading this, on your next flight TELL YOUR CSM's THAT YOU EXPECT THAT THEY WILL ENSURE CABIN BAGGAGE LIMITATIONS ARE ENFORCED.
ST