Starbucks, Laptops, and Seating (Or Lack Thereof)

Last Saturday, the Fiance and I strolled down Lee highway to the local Starbucks located in Lee Heights plaza. Desiring to grab a cup of coffee (me) and some tea (Fiance), we peered into the window finding that the meager amount of seats were filled. Some people typing on laptops and one large group chatting over caffeinated beverages. No seats open. Not wanting to merely order coffee and return to our apartment, we debated for a few minutes on our options. Thankfully, as we did this, the large group finished their chat, freeing up two tables!

Seeing our conundrum solved, we went inside along with a father and son to order our beverages. As we waited in line, a person who just finished ordering proceeded to take the two recently freed tables. Out of his magical bag appeared a laptop, books, papers, and a Rolodex. Yes, you read that right. A Rolodex! Who uses them anymore!

Upon the customer managing to make his physical foot print as large as possible, the barista mouthed a few words of contempt to himself. Now, neither the father and son or my fiance and I could sit down and have a conversation. I literally stared at this ignorant customer for a minute trying to get his attention. My passive aggressive methods of intimidation failed. Muttering to myself, we left Starbucks returning to the uninviting winter air.

Two Questions:
1. Why is there a shortage of seating at this Starbucks? Literally, it sits about 10 people. I will get photos later.
2. Is there seating policy at Starbucks that addresses this? 4 people wanting to sit down, 1 person with five trees worth of material and a Rolodex.

....Thanks I needed that.

Here is a Wall Street Journal article talking about the same issue.

What do you think? Am I being overly critical?