The only irritating thing to me is that at least a few of the people chiding them in internet forums were actually there, saw them doing the horrible thing they were doing, and didn't say anything to them while they were doing it.
Maybe it's the introvert nature of board gamers, maybe it's because I'm in Minnesota, or maybe it's both. I get really sick of being the jerk for calling people out in person, when a week later in private everyone's willing to trash the same person I called out when the target isn't there to look them in the eye. This feels like that.
I saw these guys on the main room, recognized the stack of games on shrink and knew it was the "publisher" as it were. I honestly thought they had worked out a deal with BGGCon to be in there. I can't believe they never saw them, they were right by one of the main doors. Didn't play the game but someone in our group bought it. Again, I don't give much weight to their opinions.
I think they had two players wanted signs, so whatever. Personally don't give a shit as we camp out our own set of tables all day on Saturday.