It's one thing to be up front with crew escape ropes just ahead of the two front doors; quite another to be in the back ten rows away from the nearest exit.
This chicken SLF will look out the window (both sides if possible) and get the F*&^ out if there's any smoke.
I have a feeling that SOPs vary depending on the latest major claim -- either injuries from hindsightedly unnecessary evacuation or fatalities from delayed evacuation.