When I travel alone I don’t check a bag, and I plan to arrive at the airport 1 hour before boarding. My process is pretty well refined and I have never missed a flight or been stressed about missing one.
When I travel with the family or another large group I plan to arrive 2 hours early. Additional people and baggage adds additional time and uncertainty.
The guy complaining about being at the gate 1.5 hours early is missing that it’s not all about him. When you’re traveling with a group, go with the flow, and enjoy the journey. When traveling alone, do your own thing.