I couldn't agree more. The faffing and fussing some "busy" self-important passengers place on not checking their bag in so they can save an extra few minutes in their (probably poorly managed) schedule is bewildering at times. Always happy to check my wheelie bag in, invariably it is already waiting on the belt by the time I get there and if not, I use the time to listen and respond to voicemail or maybe call my Girlfriend or daughter for a quick chat.
Far more relaxing to stay extra time in the lounge and be able to board LAST and stress free rather than early and standing in a queue at the gate and have to sit in a cramped metal tube for an extra 20 minutes?
It is truly baffling
Depends where I'm going or what I'm doing, I have no preference for HBO or checked in.... If I'm first on the plane, no problem, fire up Netflix and turn on the noise cancellors, if I'm last on as checked bags in then also great to enjoy some extra lounge time... As with everything, need to adapt to the circunstances.