The roped off area is to give a bit more space for the F and now 'Platinum' guests. It does confer come of the benefits of the old lounge for example there is Rose Champagne in there
(my personal fave) plus the spa reception indicated that elite guests are given longer treatments though I have no way of knowing if this is true.
The shave is top notch by the way (for the gentlemen) both in the spa and in the arrivals lounge. Funny though that they aren't allowed to use the straight blade shown in the ads for hygiene reasons !