You keep comparing overselling in a low cost with what goes on in the long haul legacy carriers. It is not comparable. Long haul legacy carriers sell tickets which allow the passenger to turn up and get on any flight with a seat available. This class of ticket means that the carrier can expect a number of guaranteed no shows, and there is reciprocal rights. The passenger can "no show" and still get on a later flight, and the carrier can "over sell" based on an analysis of flight usage. In addition, these tickets are interchangeable with other carriers providing the passenger considerably more options. Low cost carriers who over sell seats are effectively committing fraud. They are selling seats that are simply not available, and the thread started with a Ryanair ex employee whistleblowing to that effect and exposing the fact that Ryanair are liars. You can continue to defend the practice until the cows come home, but you can be sure of one thing.. you are defending the indefensible.