Do you not think this may have some correlation with the rise in budget airlines?
At the end of the day, you get what you pay for.
If you want top service, no queues, a quiet terminal, personal service from people who actually want to help... have your own private jet and use the executive terminal.
If you want to go from the UK to Spain for less than the price of a car's tank of petrol... go with a budget airline but expect all the crap that goes with it.
Low cost flying doesn't just mean you don't get a meal on board. The lack of money filters down all the way to the very bottom of the airport experience resulting in what can be a thoroughly depressing experience.
Pay pennies for a flight, fine... but don't expect the earth.