RE: How the airlines turned cost-cutting into a sport

As a frequent flyer with low-cost airlines in Europe, I can tell you that I also try to do my best at cost-cutting. Years ago, we'd take a paid carry-on on most flights. Nowadays it's let's see how much I can cram in the free backpack and the duty-free bag. Stressful, but doable.
Or, we'd pay extra to sit together like a normal family. Not anymore. We leave it to chance, then, once on the plane, we do like everyone else - try to switch places.
It may sound cheap, but the high costs of extra luggage or chosen seats will pay for another flight, so it seems like a sacrifice worth making.
I've read about the new idea with almost-vertical seats... hope it doesn't come to that.