Its such a weird thing to argue over, and looking at the downvotes, it seems like people here on Lemmy are just really pissed off at people these days (or they are conflict bots). No good things will come from that level of anger.

You've been arguing so much in the comments that you've forgotten OP's stated story and adopted your own fiction to defend. Like you said, it's a weird thing to argue over, because what you're talking about is not what anybody else is talking about. That's why you're getting down voted. But sure, convince yourself it's pissed off people or "conflict bots," whatever the hell that is. More fiction for your la-di-da world.

Where I come from if someone gracefully asked if I'd be leaving soon I'd have no problem accommodating them if it suited me fine. The operative word is suited, because I don't owe strangers anything. I can choose to be generous, or be in my right to reserve my generosity for someone who is more deserving. Doing so doesn't make me a bad person.

However, this is not what happened according to OP. The person suggested they hurry because they needed their table. That's so rude I'm completely blown away at your effort here in the comments to white wash it and scold others for not being doormats like you want to be. Have fun with that.