That's the thing. You put your valuables in your carry-on for a reason, and to be forced to check it because others push the limits of the rules is just wrong.

I've been on flights where the flight attendants asked people not sitting in the bulkhead row to move their things so those seated there could use the space. That's the way it should be done.

I did learn an interesting fact on a flight a few years ago. Did you know that the flight attendants aren't being paid until the plane pushes back? For the entire boarding process, they're off the clock. I'm not saying that excuses the behavior you witnessed, but it does help to explain it.