Checking in isn't a big issue. You check in at the gate before morning departures already, even if you don't realize it. Try not showing up in the am after an overnight and see if you get a call then. Giving a little heads up that you are there by means of hitting check in on a computer or phone or ipad, or even making a phone call....no big deal.
At least it gives a bit of time to try and salvage an on time departure and keep the operation running.
We have it pretty good really.