Enough with the pointless off-topic discussion. I know duty calls, but still...
As for the OP's question, I think it would depend on the particular carrier and even the particular FA. I've only ever experienced the "no headphones, no books, no devices in exit rows on takeoff/landing" direction from FA's on regional US carriers. Regardless, it's been an exceedingly rare occurrence for me and, it seems, for OP as well. Just chalk it up to YMMV with respect to certain flights and FAs and move on.