Incorrect guess.
I've done a trans-con commute and currently do a shorter haul commute.
What does that have to do with it?
If a flight needs an alternate, or there a lot of bags, or whatever the case may be:
the PIC of that flight should not be creating make-believe half weights and putting it on the weight and balance.
Period.
Paragraph.
Anyone who does that does not even value their own pilot certificate!
The FAA can be standing in the jetway upon arrival counting the number of kids and comparing it to the weight and balance. They have done that and I certainly would not be the one to come up with an explanation as to why there are six kids on the paperwork but none on the airplane, and that the difference in the two weights makes the flight overweight.