Having worked so hard to change the public's perception of them being the nasty airline Ryanair have reverted to type with a nickel & dime trick that is causing passenger irritation.  Now the free check-in is a mere 4 days before flight they are unnecessarily splitting parties up in order, presumably, to encourage you to pay for the advanced check-in in future.  They are also offering you the chance to amend your seat allocation... for a price... thus demonstrating that this is a ploy.

Cabin crew are getting it in the neck for this policy as witnessed by my brother who yesterday counted 35 spare seats on the aircraft.  The passengers affected simply 'voted with their feet' and arranged themselves in what they considered a more suitable order.  Inevitably there were the arguments and appeals which leads to a delay in an aircraft leaving its stand and getting on its way which in terms of any airline - not just the 'no frills' variants is the mortal sin to be avoided.  So... well done Ryanair.  Cross customers, delayed flights and all to a few quid more.