Originally Posted by
n_f_c_
I have read the thread extensively and was asking specifically about recent anecdotal experience of check-in agents exercising lenience (or not), but thanks for the valuable advice there.
There are definitely exceptions being made (100% against policy) by some agents occasionally. It's rare, so even though I definitely hear of it happening sporadically, it's nothing you can integrate into your trip-planning as it's a) unlikely, and, B) completely unpredictable.