Your strategies are fine for your personal situation. Some people simply do not have the time to get to the airport 4 hours before their flight or do not enjoy sitting around the airport for that length of time. I am not sure what lines you are referring to, but at most airports, there are not specific lines for specific flights except at the gate itself. Check-in areas and security lines are not flight-specific. So you could get to the airport 4 hours ahead of time and find a long line for other flights. Or if you are on an RJ with only 50 seats, the lines may be much shorter.

Also, I do not like driving very large cars like a Grand Marquis, as elegant as they may be. I have actually refused upgrades for that reason.

Your point about shuttles vs a private car or taxi is well taken. In most cases even with just 2 people, the cost will be no more for a taxi than Super Shuttle. On the other hand, as far as driving, it depends where you live and how far the airport is. For us, a private car costs $75 to $125 to each way, depending on which airport we use. Airport parking is usually a lot less than $150-250, even for a week.

And as far as hotel rooms, when I am on a business trip alone or even with my wife, I/we do not need a suite. Asking for one just out of principle and thereby denying one to someone who may really need it is not my way of doing things.