Originally Posted by ISTFlyer

As reported in the dedicated "R" fare thread, there isn't any difference between the online pre-pay price and the walk-in price. It's USD96/QAR350 or foreign currency equivalent in both cases. Pre-paying online would give you no advantage other than saving 2-3 minutes at the lounge where the lounge agent processes your payment.

The goodwill gesture is still there and presumably would not disappear unless there is a high spike of demand for air travel.