It is quite frequent to find posts on FT blaming airlines for all sorts of problems and accusing them unfairly of bad service. However, in this case the description 'scammers' looks entirely justified. I cannot think of another airline that cares about the middle name. Indeed on Turkish which I use a lot, adding the middle name can cause problems crediting miles so I never do and fly with no problems. Credit card charge back must be the right way to go here. I wonder if someone refused to pay, whether they could claim for IDB and EU261 compensation? Or maybe the EUR50 charge will magically disappear if you ask about your rights under EU261.