It might be worth considering that Boarding ahead of paying pax is not a zero-sum maneuver. You’re taking bin space away and although this might seem trivial… Ironically it’s the reason I like to board early as well. So I can understand why this would be a concern.

One of a gate agent’s job is actually to follow policy put forth, so asking them to make an exception for you would be like another employee asking us to bend the FOM to help them. I want to help my fellow employees and show them I care, but I don’t expect them to break rules for my benefit.

Like Hoss said, if it’s important to us, wrote your union rep for codification. Otherwise, ask nicely and accept defeat graciously