mocoman
I agree and was going to post something similar.
Passport and wallet are with me anyway (and in future based on someone's suggestion on here, keys), the rest can leave.
And like you, I would get in trouble if someone was hesitating getting onto a slide "in a real emergency" because of a bag !
Re Passports, not sure what other countries are like but Aussie Passorts can be obtained very quickly in emergencies. I got a brand new one in 12 hours, albeit I had ID and old passport but the way it is set up (I asked), they can and will issue with less in emergencies.