Hi,
We are working on improving the checkin process, but I have do have a timeline when that might be released.
You could try using the User Role Editor and the Adminimize to create a role that only has attendee access.
User Role Editor
Adminimize
You can start by coping the Admin role in User Role Edit, then removing capabilities that are not needed. It would take some trial and error to figure that out.
Then use Adminimize you can hide all the admin areas of the site you do not want them to have access to.
Another Option
Or you could again use the User Role Editor, create a new admin role, then skip changing capabilities and just use Adminimize to hide everything from them, but the Events Section.
Let me know if you have any follow up questions.
Thanks