In many years experience as SLF, I recall only two occasions when I have been seated in a window exit row on a short-haul flight. On both occasions I was fully briefed by a cabin crew member, and on one of them I was asked to move into the otherwise empty exit row. So some crew of some carriers do do the job properly.
As regards briefings, how about turning off all lights, including reading lights, except for spotlights on the persons giving the demonstration.
As regards evacuation process improvements, why not identify the row numbers of the exit rows? They are well-defined, but never, im my experience, announced. To go with this, attach large, legible row numbers to the aisle seats at headrest of armrest level. To avoid people trying to take bulky luggage with them, enforce the rules on size, and also reduce the maximum size.