Reading the OP post I think this is the issue:
Originally Posted by
TonySCV
The problem for me and everyone else who had tight connections was that all boarding groups had already been processed on a completely full flight.
Same thing happened to me late last month at LAX. I had a 40 min connection from the AE terminal. As I approached the gate right at the designated boarding time they were already boarding Group 2. For me it wasn't a problem as I didn't have luggage and was in F.
For someone with status, in Y, that has a bag, I can identify with his issue.