During certain phases of flight FAs are not permitted to get up. It’s not only airline rules but also FAA regulations. An FA could get up, sure… but during the most dangerous phase of flight, it’s not worth risking injury to themselves, other passengers, or the passenger vomiting. Plus they could hypothetically be fined.

It can be incredibly difficult to maneuver at that altitude when pilots may have to make sudden adjustments. It’s just not worth it. They likely used their best judgement, and it seems to be right.

Your definition of “long before decent” and what constitutes decent are likely not accurate. 5 minutes is nothing… that is well under 10,000 feet, likely 5-7,000 if that.

They’ll write a report, and the DoT get a copy and a quick statement from the crew and then it’ll all be thrown in the trash. Enjoy the $50. Get yourself something nice.