I wouldnt be worried about gear getting damaged in transit in the hold if its packed well, what I would be worried about is getting to my job and not having my gear to do it.
Sure, i have insurance and it will get re-imbursed, however, I want to be able to do my job once there and if I end up on the other end without my gear, I cant do it and I've just lost work in addition to my gear.
That is something I dont want to have to face, therefore I carry on all my gear all the time, except for monopods and other minor stuff.
And if I'm following the rules and have all my stuff in a roller that they allowed on the plane, its not my concern if you dont have room for your stuff...get there earlier.
