As a DM who rarely checks a bag (and thus needs overhead bin space), I always hate waiting until the last minute to board, so if this is new consistency with bringing pax up from coach in the order of the original upgrade list, I'm all for it.

Generally, if I haven't been upgraded ahead of time and don't clear at T-30 mins, I will always ask the GA if there are possible misconnects and whether or not I should hold off on boarding. The last few times I've done this, s/he has said no, that I should board in Zone 1 and they will come and get me if a seat is open at the end of boarding.