My fire is directed at both sides of this, and I was quite happy to see a thread over in the United forum today about an ORD GA who told a Group 4 fungus to wait his turn.

I really don't think ignorance is a valid excuse unless you are deaf or don't speak English. I always hear very clear announcements describing the boarding process as being First class first followed by boarding with group numbers.

To quote an old bit of hilarity from the Jerky Boys' Frank Rizzo: open your f#*&ing ears, jackass!

(And no that was not directed at you, but the Gate Lice in general.)