It's all to do with priorities. the little phase "Aviate, Navigate, Communicate" in that order is as good now as it ever has been. Communication can also be prioritised; 1st. talk to the other pilot, then it might be ATC or Cabin crew depending on what's happening. Talking to Operations, handling agents, and passengers are generally at the bottom of the list. As the gent before me has already said, in not so many words, in the climb and decent one doesn't need to be distracted with unnecessary communications as aviating and navigating are a high priority at that moment. I sorry you missed out on your PAs but maybe your pilots had a higher priority to deal with and safety is the highest priority of all.
You can't please all, some passengers get pissed off with the PAs interupting their sleep or the film.