I went leeds to barnsley last night, totally unchecked. Got it for the next journey now too, good saving of £7.
But how are you getting through the gates? I only ask as I regularly travel from Leeds to Tarn, but I always get a ticket before boarding as it's against the law not to, and I can do without whatever hassle would unfold if I got a nudge.
It was an unchecked return ticket that id used once before too, but ive got through the gates before with no ticket when i was rushing by just following someone through quickly. A bit naughty but i didn't have time to buy a ticket beforehand.