You know when somebody is drunk on a delayed flight because they always want to speak to the person who's fault it is. When you explain that it is a technical fault he/she insists on going to speak to the aircraft/engine... "Can I have your boarding cards please sir..."
I think it is a case of passing the buck, they are drunk when they arrive at check-in but they let them go (most of the time without putting their bags on standby). Arriving at the gate even more pissed and the staff let them go through and then tell me about them!
Will things ever change?