The problem with ath (and a few other routes like that) is there can be 12 rows or so of club, and a smattering of golds in the back with other people on their bookings. So that’s easily 50+ group 1s. If you don’t know this, then as a gold you turn up at the gate, see a long line, and think they all can’t be group 1.

anyway good on the gate agent for enforcing the rules.

Also I am all for carry on bags allowances being enforced, even on those who think it doesn’t apply due to them being in club/gold/spending £Xk on flights every year/knowing the CEO