We use Ryanair regularly to fly into Knock for visiting family. We take on roll on bags and buy no extras. I always find, if you ask in a friendly manner, a member of ground staff will tip you the wink wrt the gate number before it's displayed on the boards enabling us to effectively priority board (after the 3 or 4 priority boarders!) They have never let us down, we're always on time and I find the staff friendly and professional.
Now when it comes to our family holidays we do not even consider Ryanair, this Summer we paid a higher fare and flew at a less sociable time with Thomson to Malaga.
It's weird I guess, but I just will not trust "that man" with our precious summer holiday.