I am becoming pro Air Canada as of late, however I would like to relate a little story that illustrates the difference between CX and AC service wise.

on a recent HKG - YVR on AC 8 I was sitting in a window in in J. The FA came over and said I had to lower the shade as it was too bright for her. I said I would rather look out as we we flying over TPE and it was clear, and frankly I ask for window seats so I can look out. IE the point of the window. Her reply was that it was too bright to serve me then, and she would be back when I either closed the shade or it got darker.

on CX, same time of day, same side of the aircraft (different day obviously) I was never asked to lower my shade and the FA simply bent down on one knee as she was serving so she could see us.

FYI it wasn't like I was wearing sunglasses and Icarus was flying by. It was just a normal amount of light on the AC flight.