It is still like that. The airline’s operations all depend on the flight crew being in the right place at the end of the flight, which is a higher priority than getting a passenger there.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_United_Express_passenger_...

I had a similar experience. Christmas Day from CRW to CLT. Just me and the stewardesses.

They tried to sit near me and be friendly, but I was too depressed to engage. Missed opportunity.