Yashan, I should have been clearer.
Medallions were not preboarded. They were asked to board when their row was called. I had a coach ticket but was hanging back in the hopes of getting upgraded. Otherwise I would have boarded earlier. All F's got their drinks anyway, so I'm not sure what their big problem was. I think F's like the common folk to see them sitting there in a fat chair with a drink as they pass by to their cramped coach seat and bag of pretzels. I know I do! (And so do most of us, so don't deny it.)
How much time did it save? I don't know. They must have statistics on boarding efficiency methods. I heard a red coat talking to an upset F pax explaining that this new boarding procedure was in testing. He said reaction from First class and Medallions has been not good. He said make sure to write Delta and tell them how you feel.
The gate agent said this procedure was in place to speed along a late flight and was not the norm.
[This message has been edited by FLL2002 (edited 09-26-2002).]