Ziggy,
Looks like EZ have reduced check in to 30 mins, but not sure when? They didn't seem to make a big deal of this:
http://www.easyjet.com/EN/Flying/index.html
"Our check-in desks close exactly 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the flight. "
Can't find any reference to FR 50 mins at STN on site - could any FR / STN employees confirm or deny this?
AFAIK, the no show but we keep the tax & airport charges "scam" applies to all no frills airlines, and is part of the reason why they can offer such low fares.