Couldnt agree more now IF the airlines would actually PAY for the service then perhaps some investment would be made. I am appalled at the equipment that I see every day on the ramp in the UK but there is no money in it and contracts are short or suffer termination as airlines go out of business so no investment.
Also one point surely the commander was not walking round HIS aircraft? It surely belongs to the airline concerned and the driver (sorry pilot)is but one person in the long chain of persons assisting with getting the flight away safely and on time?