For some of us who are semi-regular travelers, the decision to stand for a while may be more related to knowing we are going to be seated for a long flight and preferring to stand a bit before we are shoehorned into a seat. Standing somewhere around the stanchions is usually in an area out of the way without much cross traffic, with the possibility of leaning against a wall or looking out a window. There are worse choices of where to stand and stretch your legs pre-flight. Plus, in the summertime, it provides a nice overview of the gate area where informal observations can be made of the traveling attire of your fellow travelers. That can range from Sports Illustrated Swimsuit fashion at one extreme to "People of WalMart" pajamas at the other extreme - always good conversation topics with friends back at the office.