Sorry but I really do think that you (upquicker) don't have a clue!
I see my role as primarily as safety officer first, including first aid! Then customer service secondary!
If we only need to smile and serve tea and coffee, why can't the aircraft take off without the minimum crew completment?
Next time i'm on a flight with a nervous pax, maybe i should be really nice at saying would you like a drink, but not be able to reassure them!!!!!!!
I know that everyone is entitled to there opinion but I really think that your way off the mark!