What a fascinating collection of responses to my post.

I am still amazed by a couple of general opinions:
1. Loyal/return customers should expect no different treatment to a first time customer. This is not how I operate my business, everyone gets treated well but repeat customers always get treated better where possible.
2. An overall low level of service is acceptable and there is no expectation of anything better. Indeed it feels like any expectation of better service is unreasonable.