Aarrgghh!!! Dont mention hand baggage. At my station is the nightmare of all us groundstaff. We're always told that 'the crew let them take it on their last flight so why are you taking off me for this flight?' Not that we believe every word they tell us.
I do have a query though. When the crew from a particular US carrier pass through the terminal, those old girls are loaded up with bags and more bags. Shouldnt they be setting an example as to what can/cannot be taken in the cabin?
In my opinion, its going to be an ongoing problem untill they design an aircraft with cavernous overheads, which aint happening soon. However for my airline, i believe we are one of the most stringent network wide.