Second bag
I don't think the second bag thing is an issue. Having flown Ryanair a good few times since the 2 bag rule was implemented, I've noticed that gate staff no longer seem to check bags comply with the rules. I've regularly seen people with bags that should never have made it into the cabin. Some not far off being the size of a suitcase. So I think the reality is that they need to enforce the baggage restrictions, not change them.