Totally agree. In fact, I recently did a pricing comparison for a trip I want to take to Dublin with friends.
Looked at Ryanair, BA, Aer Lingus, Cityjet, and FlyBe.
You are correct. Ryanair were pretty much similar pricing to many of the others. The only notable competively priced was actually FlyBe from SEN to DUB. Being honest, I'm living off the A13 and SEN is actually the most convenient drive for me, parking is cheapest, and terminal passenger experience is excellent compared to crazyville that is either Stansted or Gatwick. City is alright but parking costs are extortionate and frankly down right gorging of customers so I'm trying to avoid using City unless it's last resort.