I fly for business frequently but my schedule doesn’t really allow me to be near a computer 24 hours before so I get a seat.
Many hotels now have kiosks in the lobby so you can print your boarding passes the day before.
smartphone with wireless access will work nicely as well.
but you’re right - if you’re at the end of Group C on southwest, you’re in the last row with seats that don’t recline with less legroom. and usually some enormous human being occupying the middle seat who takes over half of your space.
I often don't bother to check in anymore unless I buy a ticket less than 24 hours before boarding. Just print one out at the airport.
I have lost my status on other airlines so I enjoy the full experience of legacy air travel.