Hey Jurassic ! I took some time to go through the FM and the study guide and the recurrent questions and couldn't find any reference to the reason for turning off the "no smoking" signs to secure the plane.
The only mention is in the unofficial "The A320 Personalized Instructor" where Sean Brown (UAL Pilot Instructor) says that the Emergency Exit sign batteries can only be charged when:
1. The Emer Exit light switch is not on
2. The Emer Light switch on the aft flight attendant panel is not on
3. DC Ess Sched bus is powered
4. No Smoking selector is off.
Does that have to do with some of the cabin modules (still)installed that have the Exit signs on when the no smoking switch is on??!!
I have no clue.
And for basics 52: Yes, I think the full alignment every flight/ leg is a fine idea since it starts the whole process from scratch and whatever the system did on the last leg, we're giving it the chance to do it better now, and it only takes a few minutes anyway. And the most important thing: I'm there when it aligns, I check if the 'on bat' function checks properly should everything electrical go south. My attitude is that this is as important as doing a fire check prior to every flight. What is the philosophy behind your procedure to keep them on?!