While I believe that FR may not treat it's handling staff well, strictly speaking if check-in staff use their 'discretion' it costs Ryanair money. They have shaved away the cost of everything, so if staff let pax away with paying less it erodes their business model.

Absolutely agree with tcook052 about the distinction between cheap and value. I personally dislike FR and prefer to spend more if I have pre-allocated seats, OLCI, lounges, my bags returned FOC is they go awol However I'm a bit dubious of people of people complaining when things go wrong and FR leaves them stranded- literally as well as metaphorically. FR is very very clear about their contract with you. There should be no surprises with FR- if you haven't paid for it- you won't get it.