The only experience I've ever had of this was at the SOU contract lounge. The terminal was mobbed and so I paid for entry. The flight got delayed then eventually cancelled, but the lounge angel said we should take our time and make whatever arrangements we needed (as FlyBe were as much use as a chocolate teapot) before arranging to go landside.

I suspect it's more of a warning to stop 'other' folk exploiting the facilities. I mean, it's not like people around here would get to an airport 8hrs before a flight to see how many 'free' meals they could eat, is it?