[mac9]

I've never let this bother me. If I go to the square when there is a popular group and there are empty seats, I just sit in one of them. If someone has the audacity to tell me that it is saved, I just say "thank you for your information" and continue to sit there and stare. Never have had a problem. If it belongs to someone who is up and dancing, then I just move when they return.
I've done the same thing during Octoberfest or any of the other events. If a table is not filled, I just pull up and empty seat and sit. If I'm told that it is saved, I merely explain that that is rude and continue to sit. So many times, no one ever claims the seat. People save them just in case a friend shows.
Life is just too short to be affected by these silly games.