The 'uppy-downy' pin is also known as the nose-gear locking pin - it should have a long streamer attached. The 'lefty-righty' pin is the nose-gear steering pin and has a shorter streamer. It is not unusual to see all pins still inserted during the pilot's walk-around check, especially if the a/c has just been towed onto stand. It should be part of the pre-start checks to confirm with the ground personnel that all gear pins have been removed and steering pin inserted. It is not the first time this has happened and will not be the last time - but at least it is safe! By the way, fuel jettison for events like this is an option, depending on the airlines' SOP's and the Commanders' decision.
Of course, it could be due to an engineering defect in the system.