But if you look it from purely operational reasons, this (web check in) is a mutual benefit, for Jet as its making you do the work which otherwise their airport staff will have to do and for passengers its a matter of convenience.

I'm scratching my head to come up with one sensible and practical reason for how this move could benefit Jet but on the contrary can come up with several on how its not beneficial for Jet.

Award ticket or not, let passengers check in online or by any other mean prior to getting to airport.