Are we sure the Pre line was longer? The issue at EWR is the redcoats enforce an asinine line up system that theoretically requires Pre pax to line up with non-Premiers before the Pre line divides off. This combined line often stretches hundreds of yards down the hallway.

This is one airport where I swallow ethics and cut the line (which is not really cuttting, because the Pre line hasn't even started at the point you can cut in). You can do it by going down to baggage claim and coming back up the stairs past where the redcoats force you to get in line.