OA32 - I was in that queue which was heavily featured in the local press! I think there were only two desks operating for quite a while. The handling agents were sending out staff to calm the waiting pax - those staff practically having a nervous breakdown in the process. In the end pax were being called forward by destination to meet flight check-in time limits - and this not over the PA system but by loud voice in an already noisy, crowded departure hall. A real shocker. There seemed to be no recognition that BE had around 10 flight departures scheduled within a one hour period - mostly Dash 8 so potentially around 750 pax to be handled within a limited period. Not a way to leave a lasting, positive impression on departing visitors.
That said, from more recent experience, if you can check-in at home and print out your boarding pass, the check-in process is now very much speeded up.
Happy 2010 summer season!