My seat HKG-MEL the cloth armrest was totally torn out from its position. It caused problem for the metal armrest which should be in down position on take off and landing. The FA just pounded the cloth one somewhat back to where the previous "connecting hinge" was, then pounded the metal armrest down to flat position.
I feel it is a design flaw to have the clothed armrest piece which does not seem to serve much of a purpose yet it is very easily damaged because it is very awkward to use.