Problems could be cut down if theater owners enforced the rules of civility, but that would often just create new problems. Instead of being annoyed by someone's phone conversation or text-messaging glow, I'd just be distracted by a loud argument and scuffle between the poor, minimum-wage usher and the rude, indignant cell phone user. Better to stop the problem before it starts by allowing theaters to block such devices. Notices can be posted at the door and before the screening so no one will miss an important call or message.
Are you kidding? I would be cheering the usher on and asking if he needed any help. People are rude because they get away with it.