That was very interesting.
Just goes to show how vulnerable soft-side luggage is.
On the other hand, airlines also impose weight limits, so the heavier hard-side luggage means less stuff inside. But most people over-pack anyhow so a little packing discipline might be a good thing for most travelers.
Here's another travel tip - if you anticipate doing any international travel, apply for Global Entry. Cost is $100 for 5 years. In most cases, it allows you to expedite your re-entry through Customs using automated kiosks. But it has an even more useful benefit, because anyone participating in Global Entry is issued a Trusted Traveler number which usually entitles you to use TSA pre-check when entering the TSA checkpoints. These are much shorter lines, no removal of jackets, shoes & belts, no removal of laptops. And the TSA pre-check preference applies to international AND domestic flights.
The whole process takes about 3 months from start to finish, which includes a visit to the airport for a TSA interview and electronic fingerprinting. But in the end, it's a good investment of time for anyone planning to fly anywhere (international or domestic) more than a couple of times over the next 5 years. Especially if you're like me and tend to cut the time a little too close when going to the airport anyhow.