Bl**dy electronic devices are the bane of my life working in the Cabin, usually because of the smartarses with their little toys (not you wishtobflying - you were considerate enough to oblige). Here's the basics for the more challenged wannabe techies out there.
Different national legislative bodies apply different policies with regard to the use of electronic equipment: Further, within each nation, individual airlines then apply variations to that policy. Some policies are more stringent than others.
Cabin Crew are hired by airlines and specifically charged with effecting and policing the safety policies of both their employer and the national legislative body. They have no choice in the matter, and are not given the training or leeway to engage in a technical conversation with a customer about whether or not a phone is in "Flight" mode, a digital camera is an "electronic device" a laptop has or has not got a wireless card enabled or a Blueberry/Blackberry thing is or is not a transmission device.
If a customer has an issue with the use of an electronic device in flight, then it is up to them to initiate a dialogue with either the national legislative body or the airline concerned: It is plainly unreasonable to remonstrate with a Cabin Crew member who has no responsibility for, nor ability to influence the applicable legislation, and is simply attempting to carry out the safety duties required of them!. There is also the possibility that the level of technical knowledge of the customer, whilst exceeding that of the Cabin Crew member is still incorrect or inadequate: In other words, they may be plain wrong, and in the process, may be affecting the safe operation of the flight.
Devils Advocate I'm surprised at your attitude, given that under similar circumstances, one of your Crew members would have been acting in a manner designed to support you in your efforts to operate the flight safely, whether or not his/her efforts were misguided. If you feel that Crew do not correctly interpret the legislation, then it would be appropriate to contact the training and/or flight safety departments, rather than belittling their efforts on your behalf here.
Finally, please remember the intention behind a request from Cabin Crew of this kind. It is not an intent to abuse or incconvenience - it's not personal: It is simply somebody trying to do their job as best they can, in maintaining safety. You may disagree with what you are asked to do, but surely cannot disagree with the intention.
(Once again, this is not directed at wishtobflying who appears to have behaved in an exemplary fashion.)