Actually the issue is resolved.
The airlines no longer do it (with the exception of places like lastminute.com and weekend specials) because their data and experience is they will make more money by not selling discounted seats at the last minute.
I think that pretty much went away around the same time they all stopped issuing refunds if the rate dropped on a purchased ticket without the huge change fees they have now.
The airlines know within a seat or two usually how full any given flight will be and what each of those people will be willing to pay. Their pricing models are constantly repricing based on what was already sold.
Unlike a cruise people traveling last minute are not usually going to do so as an optional trip (well some are, but certainly not the bulk of the last minute bookers, business people). And many cruise lines will also honor price drops after you book your ticket, so it pretty much takes away the entire book now or wait for the price to drop gambles.
They also save on fuel, gate time, boarding time and all that if they have a few empty seats. I'm sure they have done the math and know which way at the end of the day nets them the most for that flight.