Well, on the plus side, I flew Ryanair as a px last week, Stanstead - Bergerac, returning three days later. Faultless!! Band new 737/800, leg room just about OK for my 6'2" frame for a short flight. Took off on time, arrived 20 minutes early, both ways.
Baggage off really quickly both ends (these quick turnarounds really speed such things up), the crew were effecient and friendly (which is more than can be said for the arrogant and miserable French "security" staff at bergerac).
Ryanair may have internal problems, but based on what I saw as a mere punter, their future seems assured.
Oh yes, and their fares were less than half the cost of the Flybe routes from both Birmingham and Southampton on the same dates......both of which would have been more convenient for me.