The Great White rat cops a hell of a bucketing from a few disgruntled punters and the media who get wound up by whatever group is seeking rightly or wrongly to advance their current cause.
BUT - there is no better feeling after a time away from home than being greeted at the door of a QF 747 by an Aussie accent, patting the big lady on the flank as you board and stepping back into Australia before you even get home. The Purser may have PMT, but who cares. You are better than half way home. generally the CC react as anyone does. Treat them with the respect they deserve and it will be reciprocated. Treat them like servants, that service is what you will deservedly be lacking.
Middle management are generally the worst. Something to prove and a perceived easy target. NOT!!!
That and the first Australian landfall on one of her own.
If that doesn't drag a silent personal tear, you are a heathen.
Go QF. You aint perfect, but you will do just fine.
Best all
EWL