It is very inconsistent.

Just few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to fly with what I consider the BEST AA FA ever. It was a full flight, MD80, DFW-TPA. Many vacationers with kids. This wonderful FA, not only helped many of the families(novice flyers) that had questions, baby seats, etc, she managed to serve the F cabin (also full) any drink and believe it or not TWICE during boarding. She continued to be just as wonderful throughout the flight.
If AA only had more like her.........

then there are the ones that find it very amusing to stand around in the galley and loudly discuss the pressing world issues printed in the People magazine. Why are these people in the service business is beyond me.

I fly TPA-MIA few times a year. It's a 38 minute flight. It's a good measuring stick of how good the FAs are. Had some that managed drink service twice, had some that managed to do it once (acceptable), but also had few that didn't even bother unless you made them do it.