Yes I think that is the case but with this new system you can't list or get a ticket within 4 hours of the departure time. Obviously this is because of catering as who in there right mind would want to fly back home to be with their family if they cant have a crappy meal during the flight.
It would be far to hard for the already swamped, due to helping out traveling staff, staff travel check in desk to say you may not get a meal, do you still want to travel?