I think that those who use the service on a regular basis would pay and have a valid ticket. You get to know peoples faces I suppose if you travel at the same time most days. It would be embarrasing being caught without a ticket then wouldn't it?
And I don't think you are cynical at all....I would be the same.
:-)
We always pay on the met but a few years ago coming home from castlefield i didnt have any change only large notes , anyway we got on and yes got asked for tickets .... got a �20 on the spot fine ... now i always make sure i have change .. a lesson learnt the hard way .