LAX Gatelice are the worst for NW.
Never saw so many people turned back when trying to board a plane (this was a 742).
Here's my thing. Why are so many people in such a hurry to sit in a flying metal tube for hours on end? The only time I rush ahead is if i'm carrying a bag that has to go overhead but unless i'm not, I just sit at the gate till they make the final boarding call.
I was finishing up a sandwich at IND one time and they called me for a final boarding call, I shouted and said i was finishing up so she smiled and said to 'hurry up.' I was also seated in F.