Hi,

I did this on arrival after clearing customs and checking in for my AS flight at 315pm ( considering the flight was around 35mins late and did not leave the aircraft till 245pm it was some going ( essentially no one at immigration).
I smiled sweetly and showed my VS Gold card and J Boarding pass saying that I was on a connecting flight later that evening.
The agent at the desk did say very politely that it was not an arrivals lounge but wlecomed me in.

After a quick shower I was able to realx with a coffee,nuts,buscuits and diet coke until just before they were ready to shut up ( around 415pm after the last of the London passengers had left). I also talked for w while with Claire. While I was there there was only 3 or 4 other people there.

I think being on your own, with a Gold card and a J boarding pass helps with access.

Regards

TBS