I spend a lot of time in the exit row.

IME, the requirement for a verbal "yes" has been around for a few years now. But it's rare to get any more of a quiz than that, probably less than 5% for me. I think it's more individual FA initiative than any airline directive.

Having shades open for takeoff and landing is not on the card, and I think I've only ever had an FA mention it once. But I wish it would become SOP...