My experiences:
At JFK was issued a gate pass at the Premier Access counter with no questions asked. For some reason, they still asked me for a boarding pass at the club, so I handed them my gate pass. I also flashed my club card at security to access the priority line, as the gate pass doesn't say Premier Access.
At LAX while traveling on United, I requested gate passes for my grandparents. After some hesitation from the agent, they were issued passes and followed me through security without incident.
I believe they've always asked for my boarding pass at the club. This may just be because they want to remind me when my flight is boarding.
Generally, I only go to the club for the bathroom and drinks (and fruit). The ones at JFK and LAX are always extremely crowded.