I'm a little surprised as BHD staff are usually very welcoming and helpful and in the past have been very flexible especially during IRROPs even allowing access when rerouted on other carriers.

I hadn't come across this, though I was aware that check-in now opens only 2 hours before departure. This wouldn't have been a problem in the past but the 5 - 7 departures are a little unevenly spaced. I'm not sure if they close the lounge between flights though I can't really see the sense in this.

That said, I can't think of a reason why I'd want to be at BHD 2 hours before a flight. 60 mins is plenty, especially if HBO, and I've done it comfortably in as few as 20!