All interesting and valid points without question (most of which the majority of educated passengers are well aware of). However, in my opinion at least, I think, arguably, that we have now moved a long way from the original point of the thread. In respect of +TSRA's post I am reminded of a couple of relatively recent experiences with a German operator where the length of the delay was undetermined due to technical reasons. We were however kept well and factually informed by the ground staff and, in one case, the Captain. It was very well handled and consequently no pax got agitated or felt the need to vent their frustrations at the gate staff or (later) the crew.