There's a new random method in place at a small AE-only airport in Louisiana (don't want to get the crew in trouble, so let's just say that it's not identified by the letters BTR) that goes something like this:

8 people are booked on a flight, and they all get in line to board an RJ. (the GA has already cracked everyone up by announcing that "We're going to dispense with the group numbers, since this flight is so full.")

First person boards, no problem.

Second person hands GA boarding pass, saying, "Oh, good. You're not doing random gate screening today."

GA says, "Oops, you're right! I forgot." And promptly selects the poor sucker who's third in line.

Don't ask me how I know this.