So I tried something different at LGW last night. 19:00 flight LGW to GLA.
To BA GA. Hi there, how are you and nice 10 sec chat. Then, oh, is it group boarding tonight?
5 mins later, announcement of group boarding and for people to look at boarding pass. Then group 1 gp 2 etc separated by time to prevent the usual LGW-GLA stampede.
WOW!!! What a difference, no pushing, no barging etc.
I wonder if my smiley chat and friendly question at the gate prompted this or are they now boarding by group in general? If the former, perhaps this could be the answer. All of us ask at the gate at LGW.