personally I dislike that trend but that's life today.
Sadly it's because of the average "that's life today" attitude that airports get away with it! I'm a regular passenger and not on super low cost carriers. I use airlines to travel. I use airports to board flights on those airlines I travel with. I do not wish to be subjected to a grand tour of a shopping mall on my way to the gate! I feel sorry for the poor inexperienced passengers at BHX who sheepishly stay in the dark dungeon of a departure lounge because they don't know any better. Personally I make my way to the gate area where I can see daylight and basically get some peace and quiet.