Don't all of the FA flyertalk participants jump at me as this is only curiosity...since meals have been eliminated on so many flights, what is the role of the FA's for the entire trip besides serve drinks and pretzels? On my recent flight, three of four were reading books and magazines after the service. As I hope FA's are not downsized, what are the long term plans since there is apparently less work to do and are the number of FA's aboard due to FAA emergency rules?