Was in Economy X 2 weeks ago PER - BNE.  Seats 3A and 3B.  We boarded early.  The overhead bins were already full with crew bags (marked with crew tags). So we put our bags in the bins above Business row 2.  Perhaps VA does not realise Economy X should have dedicated bin space.

Most lack common sense these days.  

Most of the issues with baggage happen because passengers are not match fit.

Not worried about pets in the cabin but I can't wait to be in the security line with the passenger carrying their pet while the pet carry bag is put through the Xray machine.  There will be more delays as other passengers fawn over the cute dog/cat and want to pet it.  And then dogs/cat...

Travelled in Papua New Guinea with chickens, pigs, dogs, crocodiles and all manner of fruits and vegetables all over the place in the cabin.  However in Australia its the pet owner you have to worry about, not the pet.