@Horace I think it is more the availability of storage space than anything else. But, of course, human nature loves "rewards", and people want to display their awards, weather it is boarding first, putting something on your wall, etc.
Most of my flights are international, and I usually board towards the end. Like you, I figure I am going to be sitting on the plane for 10+ hours, and it will not leave without me, so what is the rush. LOL
