I have been at ORD where UA gates were just as crowded, and few seats even at neighboring gates.

After the tight security took effect and no good way to tell if it would take 10 min or 45 min., and more checked bags, and longer lines to get bags checked --- most people arrive, my guess, 30 - 60 minutes earlier to airport. This, of course, results in more people in gate areas waiting for 90 min. vs. 45 minutes. With 30 min. turnarounds on WN, that is a whole planeload of people at gate area now that were not there 7 yrs. ago.

Of course if you have the 6 am flight or the 9pm one, not much of a problem.