I think the crew saying something to the PAX is a good thing, route, weather etc, its all informative IMHO.
I used to love flying First Choice, the crew were always very friendly and chatted to the PAX when you got on the aircraft and off. Along with good announcements en-route.
I remember going to LAX from LHR in 2004, sitting on the ramp, "This is the Captain Speaking, the flight to Los Angeles is approximately 10 hours and 54 minutes" and that was the only thing he said, quite strange I though for an 11 hour flight.