But you clearly know better.
Well, I know what I saw and was told. We were held off the plane while the plane was being "re-de-iced" according to the announcement. But in this time the plane was not touched by the de-icing crew.
The scenario could unfold... de-ice. Half an hour to board, close doors, wait for start... more ice. Now we need re-re de-iced. All off so you can go back to duty free, de ice, re-board, more ice, all off again, de ice, miss slot..de- ice, board.. wait for yet another slot, more ice, all off to duty free, de-ice, all on after another half an hour, more ice, all off, back to duty free...
You miss the fact that we were held in the departure lounge (ie not on the plane) for an hour while the supposed "re-de-icing" occurred. And yes - we were "re-de-iced" (not my phrase - BA's) once on the plane just before departure. I am not suggesting for a moment that we should have been taken off the plane at the point they had to de-ice before departure.
My complaint is that we were told the place was being "re-de-iced" so we couldn't board. At no point during this delay was the plane de-iced (I sat and watched it through the window). So this was not true. The de-icing happened after we boarded. All I want to know is - what was the real hold up - why not tell us? Why use the de-icing as the excuse? If it was waiting for a slot with the de-icing crew - fine, I can accept that. Tell us, delay the plane, and then let us decide what to do with that spare time.
Basically I agree with: (but this isn't what happened)
Best plan at that point is to put the passengers on, and then when they are on, de-ice the aeroplane again. probably just the tops of the wings..? That gives you the shortest time from de-ice to take off. thus minimising the possibility of further icing problems.