I know it is easy enough to go by your numbers, but what do you do if several people are already standing around who may/may not be ahead of you? Is this something you don't sweat or do you actually try to get your place assigned?

I will usually walk up, flash my ticket, then ask what number the others are so that I can find where I belong. It is a little easier to wiggle in that way and I don't think it is too obtrusive. However, I have found that some people will ignore my question and just stand hard behind the person in front of them. Often, their number is higher than mine and it is as if they know they are trying to get ahead.

Do any of you have a fool proof way of addressing this?