^ Sounds like you've not been to LHR for a while!
I was eating airside yesterday with my metal cutlery. It's been that way for ages!
I think having airside areas is better than just having the gates "sterile" as you call them.
It's hard enough getting people to go through departures as it as with all the 50 family and friends they bring along. Imagine that at a gate when you're trying to board? Ridiculous.
As much as i joke about the BAA, i find their security very effective to the point where they are sometimes a bit anal - but it makes me feel safer!