Re 2 - I've always thought that some people want others to know that they are a frequent, experienced traveller as this somehow makes them look richer / more important / not scared of flying or whatever.
They do this by reading a book, newspaper or chatting with friends or colleagues etc. rather than watching the safety demonstration. Sometimes quite conspicuously
They are missing out in my view (either that or I've just developed an unhealthy obsession with the animated, coffee drinking, brunette in the BA version
)