+1. I also want to add that the only place that is always even less pleasant to wait than a crowded gate area is a crowded jetway, though airplane cabins themselves occasionally steal this trophy.

That having been said, since I don't like planes to leave without me, I usually make an effort to be in the general vacinity of the gate (i.e. close enough to hear the announcements or have a clear line of sight) in cases when the gate agents hold all of the cards. This might entail ordering some food that I don't really care for or a vastly overpriced beer in exchange for a comfortable place to sit.