This experiment has a startling result only because it runs counter to the established method of queueing. If instead of queues we had stacks (last in, first out), we would no doubt see people organize themselves into the stack in such ways that other time-wasting externalities would arise.<p>I think the queue is a pretty good system to use, because it&#x27;s effectively an auction for a spot at the top of the line, where you pay only with your time. This seems like it would balance incentives reasonably well. Come to think of it, it&#x27;d be interesting to see economic auction theory applied to queues.