ATCOs
Mr Atco,
I think you will find that if you pre-arranged to be an authorised observer you'd have more luck. The gate staff don't have that sort of authority. The captain would have the option of saying yes or no if you were an approved observer, but would have to knock you back just on fronting up with your id.
I'd personally like to see a lot more of you up there like the old famil flight scene in the 80's. Could only help each other.
for what it's worth I agree with tagneah and VBA Eng. All companies have their own additional requirements which may be more restrictive than the regulators.
Gus