While I might be peeved if I arrived at a gate 14 minutes prior to scheduled departure and there were available seats, I wouldn't expect to get on the flight. Where I am somewhat lost is the "who just spent an eternity" comment, when you arrived at the gate at T-14. It seems more likely that it just appeared to seem like "an eternity." At best, I get that this should be a trainable moment on how to speak with passengers.