I have mentioned a similar experience a few times on the USAirways board. A couple of years ago, I barely made a flight from PIT to SEA... boarded, and found all seats in First full. The pilot asked me to either go to coach or disembark so they "wouldn't be late", so I got off. Only thanks to a diligent gate agent did I finally get my seat. He noticed they had all 24 flight coupons, and mine was one of them. Upshot, they held the flight, found the guy, and ,incredibly, simply moved him to his proper seat. Nothing else. Since then, airlines have become so focused on pushing flights on time, I am certain they would never take the time to do that kind of search today. This kind of wiseguy is probably the same type who makes bogus bookings in First, hoping to have more seats available at flight time for upgrade. What a country.