[nbm]

You can still get the exact same check-in behaviour with the new system - just don't put a status message or photo, and give your location. It looks identical to how a check-in looks now.

You can also now do this from your computer (not just your smartphone), and do it just before you go to, or just after you return from your venue, not just while you're there.

[aloneinkyoto]

That's great! My concerns seems to have been unfounded then.

The jury is still out on the new privacy stuff though.