My experience is that only DMs are routinely singled out for recognition and extra service, while with GOs it happens sometimes but definitely isn't a guarantee. I imagine this is exacerbated on flights with large #s of DMs.

LAX boarding is indeed a disaster. I only do LAX a few times a year but hate it every time. Last week I was flying back LAX-HKG and CX staff went through the line and pulled myself and other F pax out, as well as all Diamonds and AA Ex Plats. The staffer then brought us as a group to the front of the line, effectively cutting everyone. Nice gesture, I thought, but I would've been pi$$ed if I was GO. I recall this happening before at LAX - is that normal?

Finally, on GR members, I do think being able to board early is an important benefit...even though most of us on this board are impacted as CX elites. It is a way for CX to stimulate demand for their FF program and generate loyal customers, without much cost to us. And I know I certainly appreciated it myself when I started as GR. The situation is very tolerable in a nice airport like HK, where even the general waiting area is huge, airy and there are always plenty of seats. TBIT at LAX just sucks.