The barista thing is so real. I started doing the same at a coffee shop near me and now they just plug in my charger before I even ask. I bring the same power strip every day and leave it under the counter, so the staff know it's mine. The whole "making friends" part is key though, I always tip on the first drink and say hi by name. Now I get the corner spot with two outlets and nobody fights me for it. It's honestly less about the trick and more about being a regular they actually like.