i respect jp since he has the cahones to speak his mind. i do disagree with most of what you say though jp, but respect it. i dont think this is that big of a deal, i go to the gate most of the time to get the release and find it makes most things simpler and run smooth.
i do have to ask why anyone would stay working at a place they dislike so much. like fl99 said, i shake my head at a lot of asa things, but dont think everyone i work for is a moron. i like my cps, most pilots fear them, i like my schedule, i like my pay, i like most of the people i work with.
and i dont think the gate thing is optional jp, unless you send your fo, is it really that bad? why dont you at least give it a try and see if it works. you never know.