forgetting that majority of people want to get in and out of an airport as quickly as possible with the minimum of hassle.
I agree, the consequences of SOME allowing airlines to fly gratis means that in the long run, the facilities will not be able to support this is once again they will be lowest common denominator.
Think the low cost pier at Glasgow or the scrum downstairs in Sat 3 at STN. That is VERY far from the minimum of hassle racedo, it's often a cramped and horrid experience.