I agree with Liz on this one. I have been mulling over a response to this thread since I first saw it and just couldn't come up with any intelligent way to say that this is all very much a judgement call by the individual f/a responsible for that particular exit row. As Liz said, the rules are somewhat vague and each f/a may see things differently on what is allowed and not allowed. The language barrier is a huge bone of contention. We used to not be allowed to let anyone sit there who didn't speak english, now we are told that if they seemingly understand the responsibilities of the exit row, they can stay - even if their english is less than stellar.

So while it may seem that some f/a's are less interested in safety than others, it may just be their interpretation of the rules. The rules are not black and white as they should be in my opinion. Anytime you have something gray like this, there will be different opinions on how it should work. If the guy with the cane can walk ok, he can stay. If the pregnant woman said she can handle the window, she can stay.

The cellphone user on takeoff is also exactly as Liz said, once the Captain has said "Prepare for takeoff", we cannot get up unless it is something absolutely critical to safety. The cellphone? Assuming we really were able to hear this going on, about the only thing we could do is to get on the PA. What would possess anyone, let alone a f/a to be blabbing on the phone on takeoff, is beyond me. I certainly would have a few choice words for her later!