Great to hear you had a positive inbound flight with a great crew. However, this is where the main issue starts... Adding in additional services, just because "she liked to" is what creates the inconsistencies and why next time other passengers will think they are getting a reduced service and "a rubbish crew". There's ofcourse no excuse for poor, rude or sloppy service at all. The service routines and standards are well written and easy to understand. Sometimes adapting certain aspects on the day is fine, but there should be good reason to justify it i.e a heavy delay / missing catering, reduced crew etc. It really is easier to follow the service standard.
But the service standard really should include a pre-meal drinks round.
'Nuff said