SD, were there cabin crew stationed at the exits for take-off and landing? Long-haul aircraft (B777/A340 etc) usually have crew seated at the over wing exits, as they tend to be doors, not hatches. I imagine there is no requirement to brief pax if crew are stationed at the door.
Cant remember to be honest where crew were, I know on most flights I go on they have a few seats cordonned off for rest and there are flip-down seats in the galleys....But yes, the exits are proper doors on long haul jets, so maybe the theory is that cabin crew will open them? But to be honest Im with paxboy on the whole exit of aeroplane in a emergency - I sure wont be waiting for cabin crew to get to doors !!!
SD..