Whilst I agree with most of the comments regarding en route comments and explanations, I was pleasantly surprised by the KLM Captain on KL 1705 from AMS to MAD last Wednesday, especially given the day in question, to take the time to come out to the gate after 30 mins delay, and explain he was trying to get a new routing out of Holland via German airspace, as that was the only way left out of Holland (around 5pm), and the having obtained the new routing, promptly loaded and set off.
When we returned to the gate 10 mins later as Dutch airspace was closed, there was no word of complaint or upset amongst the many SLF, despire the fact there were no ground staff to meet us at our new gate on return.
Perhaps a few words at the right time ?