As frequent flyers we are likely to have a position of some authority at our workplace, be a decision maker and have the power of veto if we disagree with a course of action. AWe would not generally thumb our nose at authority, but we do at least ask 'why' if we think something doesn't make sense or is contrary to our beliefs or values.
This feeling should disappear the minute we step of the airbridge. We are the ones being conveyed in a big bloody metal tube at very high speeds and so those people who wear the uniforms have the right to act in the manner that they have been empowered to by their employer. By boarding their flight we should accept the terms and conditions they are paid to enforce, like it or not. I am not talking about rudeness or indifference, God knows we all deal with those challenges every day, but simple dos and don'ts. If they say turn off your phone, do it. Or leave the flight before it takes off if you want to be a prat.
I would hope the tossers who didn't reply in an absolute way to complying with the rules are only joking, are flamers or infrequent flyers. We don't want them. Go by boat.