The chief problem is the ridiculous amount of carry on baggage that is now permitted / tolerated by most airlines versus the lack of locker space
Yep...the Pavlovian queuing may have started with some of the LoCos/free seating but has now very much become the norm, despite pre-allocation of seats. Until there's:
1. A sensible carry on policy (IMHO one item only in the overhead, everything else under the seat in front)
2. Draconian enforcement of the same ( doesn't fit/too much/too many - in the hold)
3., ...and most importantly a guarantee that if are complying with the rules you
will get a place in the overhead locker.
it will carry on as now....
( Not going to happen, I know)