It's a marketing issue. StartSSL can make free certificates because the entire system is automated (until you require Level 2 certificates) so the cost of oper

It's a marketing issue. StartSSL can make free certificates because the entire system is automated (until you require Level 2 certificates) so the cost of operation is very low. My guess is that the revocation is not entirely automated. There might also be reasons other than technical why it's not the case. In any case, if they explained the reasons it would put some perspective on their point of view and help people understand.