Indeed - I flew on the accident aircraft about 12 years ago when it was at Paine Field. Like DME, most of us sat in the back with old style seat belts attached to the floor (a couple lucky ones sat up in the front where the bombardier would have been). We were given a safety briefing before boarding, then a brief 'how to exit' briefing after we boarded.
When I signed the release, I was told that I was signing a release - when I was racing we had to sign those all the time so it was not unexpected or surprising.
Sadly, it sounds if Collins procedures went down hill prior to the accident.