flying the 1900 without a flight attendant puts me in a position where i have to deal directly with the customers on every flight. you actually learn to enjoy it, especially the ones that walk up with the fear of god in their eyes when they realize the plane they are getting on. without a doubt it is the responsibility of the pilots to assure the customer that the flight will operate safely, however you go about conveying that message is up to you but i think thats your main customer service responsibility.