While I don't really agree for the most part with the OP's observation, I did have a unfortunate event on one of my recent flights.

I usually checked a bag, and carry on my backpack. I do this so if I want, I don't have to put something underneath my seat as that takes up valuable leg room. So, I board early to make sure I have space, and place my backpack in the bin. The FA tells me, in a somewhat angry and stern tone, to put it underneath my seat. I'm fine with the request, but tell her I would rather use the overhead space so I have a bit more legroom. She then tells me that since I'm in Stretch seating I already have plenty of room and to place it under my seat. And of course later on in the boarding process some other person puts their only, similarly sized bag where I had wanted to place mine and walks to the back of the plane without a peep from the FA.

Overall I think the employees do a fine job, though I am easily impressed. Such as when the FA gives me the whole can of soda "for buying a sandwich."