As a former ramp agent who at times was assigned to assist up at the gate podium (my ex-employer cross-trained us all), I never could quite figure out the anti-pilot and f/a bias that seems to permeate in the customer service agent ranks. I worked the flights of several carriers, all of whom, in my experience, seemed to go out of their way to accomodate online and offline nonrevs.

Being a frequent commuter myself (mostly CO/UA, with bits of B6/WN), I appreciate all the rides and assistance given. In almost two years of basically weekly commuting, I can honestly say I've only had a handful of problems with agents. And if I see someone in an offline uniform in our gate area, I'll usually stop by and say hello.....just make sure so I know to remind the agent if we've got the weight left and they haven't boarded.