If you read through all the various posts from the OP, the time fluctuates - at times he says 1:45 (which would be 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure) and at others he says 20 minutes prior to actual departure (which would be 1:50 or right at the T-10 cut off).


I don't find Southwest's expectations vague at all. If you are unable to get a boarding pass when you check in (whether that is online, at the main counter, or with a skycap as the OP seems to have done) you must present yourself to the agent at the gate prior to the T-10 deadline in order to qualify for IDB benefits.