Not saying you are wrong, but here's my take on this situation. I don't have to spend a day with an Ops/Gate Agent to know that have a hard job, especially when wx sends the operation sideways. They get the "joy" of dealing with ****ed-off, under/over medicated passengers, whose patients have long since left the building on far more regular basis than we do. So when one of us shows up looking for a seat, that is extra work for them. A small bag of candy or cup of coffee is great way to say "Thanks for the help". And if you can't manage to show up with something in your hand, saying "Can I help with the wheel chairs/boarding?" is the next best thing. Having a pleasant, positive attitude always wins!