This is the same thought I had as well and when I thought about it a bit and although it does have some utility draw backs (have to ask the flight attendant to

This is the same thought I had as well and when I thought about it a bit and although it does have some utility draw backs (have to ask the flight attendant to open the bin to get something from your bag) it seems like it would also have some other benefits for safety as well such as preventing people from opening the bins when the fasten seatbelts sign is on, or popping open during turbulence.