I think you're coming at this from the wrong direction. I travel alone - and often bring a crossword book or the ships news to the breakfast or lunch buffet. When I'm througn eating, I leave. It's just something to pass the time - and I'm entitled to sit at a table as much as anyone else. Most of the time, it's me asking if I can take an empty space at a table. But, if I sit at a table alone, I have no objection to anyone asking if they can join me. If it's a family of four, why not. I've met a lot of nice people this way - and I hope they've felt the same way.
Why should I have to go out to a lounge chair?