I think it could be a lot simpler for most long haul evening flights. I flew back from ORD a few months ago on BA in J and it felt like it took an eternity for them to dim the lights post meal service. I had the full compliment of ear plugs, eye mask and headphones but couldn't nod off.
I'd be most in favour of maintaining the full service for those who want it but the crew establishing who does when they do the first pre-boarding drinks round and then dimming the cabin lights so that those who want to sleep can try and those who want to stay up and dine can put their reading light on. I would be interested to hear from other flyers who think they couldn't eat satisfactorily like that? This is just my preference... I spend most red-eyes praying for the lights to go off so I can salvage 4 hours sleep
