@OP
There was a time, not so long ago, where good service meant "they" would show a film on the screen in front of the cabin. I would get "armed" with enough books and puzzles on each TATL i flew (several per year). I'm not saying that I don't prefer it the modern way, but still... By the way, what would you have liked the crew to do, go on strike?
...and the crew didn't really give a damn about it...