I believe the answers given are correct - you have to pay the full Blind.
However, I note you comment, assuming two "live" players are in as well as the all-in man, "then routinely check it down".
Why check it down? It"s sometimes - sometimes - advantageous to get the other Live stack out of the way. Raise it up & isolate the all-in man. So rather than, effectively, collude to bust the shortie, be greedy, & try & take it down yourself! May not win many friends, but chips are better than friends at the poker table.