I have the utmost respect for any member of crew, be it ground crew, cabin crew or pilots.
I had a great f/a on an Allegheny flight back in 1991. I was suffering with Tennis Elbow and in a lot of pain. She brought me pain killers and sat talking to me as we were landing.
I made sure I wrote to Allegheny head office on company letter head paper when I got back to let them know how I appreciated the great service from the f/a. I got back a personal response thanking me for my letter.
To this day, if someone has done a great job, either in flight or even in a store, I write to the head office to acknowledge the fact.
Getting on a flight, I always smile and acknowledge the f/a's stood at the door, or throughout the cabin when I board. I also thank the f/a's and the captain/FO when leaving the aircraft.
They are humans just like the rest of us!