The real reason for the policy isn't to speed up lines. It's to increase ad revenue.
Advertisers on SFTV are concerned that people waiting in line will be too distracted by their cell phones, ipods and other gadgets that they won't watch the commercials. So Shapiro comes back and says he makes all guests leave loose items in a locker before entering the line.
^^ Don't overlook the fact that Six Flags already owns a hotel. The Great Escape Indoor Water Park Lodge. I believe a similar property was planned for New Jersey as well but was put off when Shapiro took over.
Also, I would argue that Shapiro HAS cleaned the parks up a hell of a lot.
I'd like to see Texas Giant rethemed to Walker Texas Ranger: The Ride.
I've also thought it would be cool if they could work with Sally and Guitar Hero to come up with a new kind of interactive dark ride.
Another somewhat related idea: Build Thomas Town FECs inside shopping malls in the western part of the US. This could greatly expand the reach and worth of Six Flags Media Networks (ie SFTV) with relatively small investment.
Is it is my belief that management is bringing back Mr. Six to have more international appeal. One of the obstacles in developing the recent over-seas Six Flags projects is that so many of their character licenses are only good in North America, particularly DC comics and Thomas. Having Mr. Six allows them at least one character that can be used at ALL Six Flags parks.