You took the words out of my mouth C.E. I’ve flown with Ryanair around a dozen times and maybe I lead a charmed life, but I’ve never had the slightest problem. It all comes down to your expectations, and for the princely sum of £28 return from STN > PIK, I wouldn’t expect an awful lot.
As I can’t think of a cheaper way of getting to Scotland in an hour, I’d feel a little churlish criticising the class of fellow traveller, the quality of on board service (compare and contrast with the cheap seats on GNER or Virgin trains) the stampede to board (has anyone ever seen Victoria Coach Station on a busy day?) or the lack of ice for one’s drink (just buy a Coke from Smiths before you get on – its much cheaper).
You know what you’re getting into when you buy your ticket, and if you don’t, you should. Caveat emptor.