There was definitely a move away from manual saftey demo to IFE based to save CC time, I presume. I have no idea when it started but was certainly on the 75+76 with the ovehead flip down screens that served a couple of rows. Once that change was made there was scramble to devise the most innovative / unhinged demo. Then there was the addition of 'names' which (in this part of the world) BA specialised in. So it all followed the usual path of 'competition'.
I always make a point of looking up at the CC irrespective of a/c. I also check for the life jacket under the seat. Only once was it missing. I had no choice but to use FR from Aarhus to (I think) STN. I told the CC and they were not too surprised and, of course, no replacement was provided. I then read of FR having them stowed with the oxygen masks in drop down, as too many were being stolen.