Manchester has got greedy by banning cars from the roads we pay for in front of the airport and making you use the car parks.
Not Manchester's fault, blame a certain incident at Glasgow Airport a few months ago, sign of the times I'm afraid. Free drop off and pick up at T2 has just become available again but until the infrastructure is improved at T1 for next summer the car park is your only option.
Very true about the check-in earlier mantra, its does bring trade to the airport.
Also if you do drive to the airport check your insurance policy, most car insurance premiums do not cover you in airport car parks, strange but true.