I dunno, a lot of this is context specific.
I usually arrive early outbound since I don't want to miss the work conference, or a connection on the way to a vacation. I arrive less early on the way back.
I check a bag when I'm staying more than 4, or 5 days somewhere. I often don't if I am staying less.
Although it hasn't been mentioned yet I usually board with my group when I have a big carry on and board nearly last when I don't.