Bob,
You are assuming that the onloading of staff is done at the gate which is not always the case, it depends upon the airport and the handling agents. Also regardless of your listing on another flight you will need to clear passport control, immigration and collect your luggage when you enter Europe anyhow. For info on my various travels the US is the only place that I have found where you do not need to go out to the check-in desk to standby for another flight.