I have a question for SIRWA69. As you say you fly lots over 100 times a year, and you say you could give the safety demo yourself. Out of interest, can you tell me where you should congregete as evacuees? Where in relation to the aircraft should all the passengers be when they are out? It does state where on the safety card. Also, if exiting through the overwing exit, which side of the wing do you get off for a land evacuation?
These are all points which are all on the safety aids , but how many people really know?
If you are first out, you are expected to help with the evacuation on the ground. ie hold the slide down and help pax of the slide. This is why it is VITAL that the pax at the exits listen to the demo at all times. They are just as important as the cabin crew.
There are many airlines now which operate on minimum crew, therefore there is not a crew member for every exit, so the passengers in the exit rows have to take control.