Not sure it's "way off base" as you would suggest, merely wondering if in the interest of decent airmanship that if help was available, then it would be offered. In my experiences flying heavy crew ULR, extra crew was not only required, they were essential to assist with the preflight, and were put to work. I was glad for the assist! If you feel it's ok to stay out of the way, then fine, that's how you handle your day. (You were then regarded as less than co-operative and it was noted. Eventually it would show up on a yearly evaluation...didn't help when it came time to renew contracts or upgrade...)