Are you talking about Early Bird Check-In? The other scenarios are talking about A-list passengers which board before those who pay for EBCI - another reason why letting your child/spouse/grandma/grandpa/sister-in-law board along with an A-lister as part of their "traveling party" is probematic. If WN wants people to pay to be a few spots closer to the front of the line, they aren't going to be happy when extra people get to board earlier without earning it or paying for it.