I noticed this change last week- huge time waste- they asked each exit row passengers the exit row questions (probably good, as the flight attendants never could seem to be bothered to do it), you know, "Do you speak English? Are you willing to help the crew in an emergency?" That stuff.

And, side note, your warmed nuts and cookies evidently came at the expense of the salad and dessert that CO previously served in first class on dinner flights. If the other thread is to be believed.