I have generally only had good experiences there. The really small "buffet" area is at the back of the lounge on the right, it is a bit out of sight, so maybe that's why some posters did not find it. It is not the grandest of lounges (and can get busy at the time of the night flights), especially size-wise, but I quite like that compared to the EK railway stations at DXB. I also appreciate that they also have a barber located at the lounge (like the business lounge).
As to boarding time, you can't take any of the ME3 carriers seriously on this, unless you plan to spend more time at the gate than on the flight 😉 I suspect that has to do with the fact that some of their passengers are notoriously unpredictable as to whether they will turn up on time! Anyway, as someone else has already posted, just plan to get to the gate a few minutes before closing time, and you will be fine.