I have worked in ops for a crappy LCC and I can tell you that they can get things done if they want to. You just have to pay call out fees. If you want your handling agent to stay around longer that what is contractual or if there is an emergency, they will charge you. We had a phone list of all the airport managers and ground handling managers. If we wanted something to happen we could make it happen. This is just pure indifference from RYR in regards to passenger well being. As far as RYR was concerned they could stay on the plane until morning when the airport opened again. Don't have to pay call out fee's then.
BTW I thought STN was a 24 hour airport as someone mentioned? Or is it only 24 hours if you pay extra??