bruppy, I'm crew at EMA so rarely experience the bmibaby service from a passenger perspective, however when I've done so through my own base, I've never heard an announcement be made regarding the correct set of steps or when having my boarding pass pulled either.
Be advised that besides open seating there are other ways that airlines are trying to cut down on their turnaround times. In America, Ted the low-cost product from United board passengers firstly by their frequent flyer status, then rather by row, their actual seat position ie window then centre then aisle. Not sure how well it works or how it affects parties like families, but generally it seems to get everyone on the plane quickly.