So if the airlines provided an on-line seat reservation facility and made sure there were enough self check-in machines at the airport I wouldn't quibble if they withdrew online checkin.
Ummm
13Alpha, I think that you will find the airlines are doing the exact
opposite. They are hoping to make OLCI compulsory and reduce the staff at the airport to the minimum. Ideally, in their minds, the staff there will have no other function than to check pieces of paper, weigh bags and invite the customer to telephone the airline! In other words, they will have no discretionary powers.
Also, bear in mind that the machines at the airport cost money to buy, service and rental for the space they occupy - so if they can reduce the number of machines that is also 'good'.
Please do not fret about this loss of customer service, as there is nothing that you or I can do about it. Much easier just to pass through the experience listening to your iPod and ignoring it all.