Whoever at the hotel who is managing this is an idiot. Rather frivolous attempts to resolve the issue and placing you not only at a massive inconvenience but also at security risk.
Definitely an idea to check bags you have handed back to you. Guess you must have been in a hurry or didn't watch the porters load the bags in the limo, as usually a bag that doesn't belong to you sticks out like a sore thumb (unless they are one of those common looking ones and you haven't adorned it with decorations or distinguishing features).
Also a lesson to listen to the young ones once in a while

:mrgreen:
As for eating into lounge time, unless it's the VS Clubhouse or possibly LH F lounge, you're not missing out on too much