Actually, you know what, the more I think about it, maybe you are right. Boarding can be a zoo, I usually stayed in the lounge for longer to try and avoid it, but that shouldn't be necessary.

Compared to my last flight from BHX, where I was sat in the lounge within 15min of the car getting there (including checking in bags etc), and then easy boarding; the more I think about it, maybe BHX isn't as bad a I first thought! (Not saying it's great, but there is something nice about a smaller airport sometimes). Though I do miss the opportunity for op-ups even if they did generally only happen ex-DXB