Firstly - I think it's brilliant how you are trying to portray this slow down in growth as a sign Ryanair is about to hit trouble. This slow down is planned, deliveries and new base launches have slowed and the route structure is maturing with longer sectors and less aircraft utilisation therefore a slow down in growth but a move towards improved yields. This is the company running as Europe's most successful airline business and adapting to current market trends. Any % increase for any airline right now is impressive. By 2014 expect near 0% growth as aircraft deliveries stop and the business puts focus on good yield returning routes.
Secondly - the gate bag issue. Airports with an effective gate bag system allow flights to depart ontime, safely and efficiently, without crew running around throwing bags everywhere because yet another passenger has decided they are entitled to break the rules. Its very clear, stick to those measurements your bag goes on, you have no problems and everyone is happy. Try your luck, and 90% of the time you will get stopped. The gate bag may bring in revenue but initially it was designed to stop baggage related delays, and this has worked very well.
Ryanair bashers = people who decide they make their own rules up and fail to read simple intructions in the terms and conditions and get penalised for it.
Ryanair lovers = people who know the product, adhere to the policies and consistantly get flights to places they want to go for the lowest possible price, arriving ontime 90% of the time. 75 Million + passengers.....I think that speaks for itself in this industry right now.