I think you're spot on MP. Too many PAs are a right P in the A. I think you may have had a particularly verbose flight crew on that particular trip. Top of climb PAs are the preserve of long haul, so possibly a new Captain? Generally a welcome on board, one in the cruise and welcome to XYZ should be sufficient. Minimising the flight deck PAs gives some welcome respite from the endless chatter from the cabin crew - I counted 12 PAs on a recent 45 minute positioning sector.
BTW love the username, but you just can't get good ones down south.
