That's what the employee pass is for...
Or a Nexus card. While I've seen long lines at US PFI, I don't recall seeing 45 minutes security lines in the last few years.
waiting in a 60's style concrete bunker
Huh?
paying $12 for a pint
Hmmm... YVR has a strictly enforced "street pricing" policy whereby if you have an outlet out side the airport you cannot charge more at the airport. Where did you pay $12 for a pint?