I completely disagree with the short term drop-off/pick-up fees at BHX (and other UK airports. However, as far as BHX is concerned, there are two ways you can drop off/pick up for free. The first, although perhaps not the most convenient, is the long stay car park which allows 15 mins free access and provides a free bus service to the terminal. Not particularly handy in the Winter though. The second, which is the option I use, is to use the International station and then the Air-rail system to the airport. It only takes a few minutes more and there's no exposure to the weather.