Chickenscanfly
Thank you for your reply - I now understand far better.
Whilst there are pages and pages of threads about Ryanair I wanted to make sure that I understood the current rules (which may or may not have changed over time) so that I could make an informed opinion.
As a consequence of your lucid and helpful reply I do now understand in far greater detail what the problem is.
Nosegears' reply did not help at all - it's difficult to be either understanding or sympathetic when you get berated for asking a civil question!
From my point of view I have never been mistreated by Ryanair as a passenger - however I must admit that I am not happy when employers treat staff like dirt (whether it be an airline or a burger bar) and try to avoid said employers (unless there is no other choice than Hobson's Choice!)
Regards and thank you
Navajo8686