SHJ,
I think you summed it up perfectly with " they take on the airs of grandeur".
I too am a "low touch" passenger but heaven help you if you ask for something out of the usual service - this morning I asked for a cereal and the fruit salad (which I didnt get !) instead of pastries and bacon sarnies - the cc seemed to take it as a personal affront and was very offish.
I'm not sure that complaining would do any good either as it seems more cultural.