STT airport defies logic.

Since 1995, we have flown thru STT more times than I can remember and what the OP described is not that unusual. I sort of cringe when people downplay certain airlines 3 hour check-in rule because they breezed thru once with no problem because yes, it can be as bad as described. Not every time but hit it just right/wrong when two or three larger jets are taking off within a short window and the crowds are epic.

We use a porter 99% of the time. In fact, we have favorite porter programmed into our phone.