I had the same opinion regarding cabin crew as FBN, until I became an airline pilot and watch them go through their EPs every year.
It's impressive when you see them switch from pleasant air hostess to shoes off on the seat screaming commands in unison to evacuate the ship. They have far better knowledge of safety equipment than Pilots (most of the time).
Their primary role is safety.
Their secondary role is service.
Something other airlines in the region switch around.