+1 here on 60 minutes prior to departure when gate agents show up. I politely wait a bit back while they get logged in etc then when they are finished they ask "how can I help you?" or similar. I ask if they are in an overbooked situation, either yes or no I ask them to please note I am willing to volunteer and am
#1 to ask. Then I tell them I am going to the Club, be back in 30 minutes or so which they have always told me "good idea, we won't know for sure until close to departure time anyways".
Sometimes needed, lately mostly not but I have been told this is the way to make it work.
Club agents are not involved in the volunteer lottery.