I'd be inclined to agree with the OP both on the standards and assessment of how often one can expect to see such standards fulfilled. I don't think it's fair to 'expect' the outstanding levels of service but I do think it's fair to expect friendly FAs, PDBs, etc. Even adjusted for inflation, AA flight attendants make more than the old Pam Am folks in the tv show so I don't think it's unreasonable to expect that type of service (minus the more sexual attention)