Hoy, here we go again.

*cracks knuckles* (no pun intended)
Firstly, this is apparently the first case of "baggage rage", is it? Wow, I think we've just invented a new kind of rage and a new term. How quaint!
Secondly, this is the first case
in Australia? The so-called rage occurred in Singapore on Singaporean soil; the flight
was bound for an Australian city, yes, but this did not occur
in Australia and more importantly not within Australian legal jurisdiction (i.e. if anything was to happen - and we pray that something will - it would be dealt with under Singaporean law). Does beg to wonder how the AFP are getting involved (notwithstanding in direct cooperation with Singaporean authorities).
Thirdly - and this is
very disturbing - since when is Ben Sandilands an "aviation expert"? I'd rather cut out my tongue than own up to that fact. :evil: He may wax lyrical about the psychologies of air travel as much as he likes - I can agree to disagree with that. But that is - and he is - by no means an expert.
Finally, to add some off-topicness and some perspective on the thread, I'm assuming if we assume a full plane (i.e. every seat occupied) and each seated individual carried on-board one item which was at the maximum allowable dimensions (e.g. a rollerboard, but doesn't have to be), there would be enough overhead bin space for everyone?
I find that real life kicks in often on this one, hence priority boarding does have that distinct advantage; even if I'm in Business there's still a point in making sure you get a space quickly. If there's no space above you when you get to your seat - too bad, unless you can convince someone that they're taking more than their fair share of space, you arrived later so you'll need to find more space, negotiate or deal with in another way. I've had experiences in having to stow my bag (usually aft) up to 10 rows away from my seat.
There's often an argument about whether soft/small items should be put under seats and leave the bin space for large/heavier items. This annoys tall pax as well as those that only carried a solitary soft item (e.g. backpack) on board (expecting to be able to stow it above).