Anyone who thinks that NJ (and most of the northeast for that matter) does not have a different attitude than the rest of the US is just in denial.

I remember the first time I went to Chicago. I stepped off the subway and was trying to figure out which was was north so i could find my hotel, and I only had to look lost for about .5 seconds until someone asked me if I needed help. I thought I was going to be mugged , but it was indeed a genuine offer for help. I had other instances in Chicago where they were helpful unlike what I would see in NY.

But to be fair, I have only had nice service in EWR. I did have a GA yell at me in PHL once for being there after the bag check cut off But she did help me get on the flight.

The GA should have not even questioned the OP about placing him on the standby list, regardless of wether a flight is overbooked or not.