About "setting V speeds in your Before Start items", quite often our ACARS has not received (from Load Control) our actual gross weight (with stab setting and which flap setting) until we are half way to the runway, or even number two at the runway. We sometimes must pull over to the holding ramp or an empty parallel taxiway. So what if it adds two minutes to the block time, or ATC must change an EDCT clearance?
Don't forget that as Captain, you can set a safer pace than what ATC is aware of. The hard-working
First Officers to my right should not be rushed too much.
These FOs have always been the busiest pilots at the entire airline, i.e. even with the former 727, present A-320, 757, 747 'classic' etc-even when we only fly 3-4 legs a day, on some trips. These planes have no actual automation except for altitude and LOC or ILS coupling, and have 100-122 seats.