And really...if a few thousand other people can do it...surely you can too
Why bend the rules/regs or, hey, even the protocol for anyone?
It's all there for reasons, and check-in staff, regardless of how customer focused, should never be the ones to make such decisions.
Otherwise, why would there be load controllers
I think the general consensus is to arrive well within the scheduled departure time of your flight. If you are a business traveller, and
that reliant upon a
high level of service, by way of resources which allow for the flexability you seek, then perhaps it's time to re-think your choice of carrier, and be prepared to dig into your pocket a little deeper
Regards
GG