Sorry, guys, but I don't agree. Just like with kids, if you reward bad behavior, it just reinforces it.
Example: A big line of people at the podium. Up runs Joesh1t the Ragman and says to the agent, "I've just got a quick question." If the agent answers it, that A**hole has just jumped the line, gotten his answer to the detriment of EVERYBODY who is waiting their turn. And, most agents (unfortunately) will answer the question. Now, the behavior has paid off and the next time the A**hole doesn't want to wait in line, do you think he will?
Occasionally, I have seen agents refer those jerks to the end of the line. Usually, they get all huffed up and disappear.
The bottom line is you don't reward bad behavior...in dogs, kids or Xjet jumpseaters. In the case of this thread, that's exactly what happened. Mr. Xjet got to work 20 minutes early. I've got $5 that says the next time someone is waiting for an Xjet jumpseat and he walks up 5 minutes prior to push, the offline guy gets bumped. Why? Because his behavior was rewarded by a "lecture" instead of a consequence...missing his trip.