The last airline I flew with before retirement encouraged cabin crew to bring matters of concern regarding the aircraft to the pilots - typical example would be traces of ice on the top surface of the wings on a turn-round. Good move in my opinion.

I would be concerned if SLF were discouraged from making safety observations. I spent a career offshore on ships and helicopters, it was a basic tenet of our HSE culture that you should not assume that the person in charge has spotted all possible hazards, it is everyone's duty to make and report on hazard observations.

When new cabin crew would come for a flight deck visit I would stress that if they noticed anything unusual they should report it. It would most likely turn out to be unimportant but once in a while it would be something we would really like to know. We would much rather it was reported than not.

Usual offenders were squeaky door seals (would disappear as we climbed) and buzzing lights.

Although there is a story that a cabin crew member once reported the wings being different colours from each other after anti-icing fluid applied…..

Most fairings are on the aircraft to either provide long term environmental protection and/or reduce drag for decreased fuel burn and increased performance. Often you can safely fly without the entire fairing let alone a few fasteners. The CDL will provide adjustments to fuel burn and performance numbers for missing fairings.