I've been there maybe ten+ times. As a single senior female I absolutely prefer the privacy of a 1st-class lounge, also the quiet and the comfort. You may have never been accosted at a public waiting area but I have, and FTW was one of those places, more than once. Yes there are officials who will deal with it, but being someplace where you never have to deal with it is priceless.
Just so you'll understand, I'm retired, limited income, I have to save for the privilege of feeling safe when I travel and it doesn't happen all that often.