[redwitch]

kat, I don't think you get it. Imagine you have been standing in a line for dinner for at least an hour. Just when you are two or three tables from being seated, a couple comes in and jumps to the front of the line, claiming they left their umbrella to hold their place while they went next door to have a drink. Don't know about you, but I'd be seriously angry.

Or how about you've been in line for hours or even overnight to get tickets to a concert (2 tickets per person max). Just when you're ready to purchase your ticket, the gentleman in front of you has 8 other people join him and they get the last tickets. Doubt if you'd be too happy.

Now, in either of those scenarios, if the people had stayed in line, there would be no issue. They were there first, plain and simple. But, if they leave, or have one person save for a group, that's just not right. It is rude, obnoxious and inconsiderate.

Once an event has started, there really shouldn't be an issue of people leaving their seats, especially if they leave something in it (like a bottle of water or a sweater) to let others know the seat is being used. Asking those seated around you to protect your seat should not be an issue. Most will tell you if they plan to leave shortly. No big deal.

You've been flogging a dead horse trying to justify what most would consider very rude behavior (not just here, but pretty much in most spots of the USA). There's no issue of coming early and sitting in a seat. There's a huge issue of coming early and saving a seat but not being present. You want to come early, fine; come, grab a good book, something to drink, a snack or two and wile away the afternoon waiting for the event to start. But don't expect people to like that you're tying something to a chair or leaving something in the seat and then going off to do your thing means that chair is yours for the duration. Few will say anything because they don't want a confrontation. Not being confronted about something doesn't make it right.