Mr Jones, being a PPL holder, isn't subject to an AOC which will have the relevant exemption from the general requirement to remain at the controls while the engine is running as provided by said regulator.
An exemption will generally have specific conditions, but will nonetheless allow actions broadly equivalent to those observed being performed by Mr Jones. I would suggest that not always would they coincide, nor would the motivation for doing so always be the same.
As for your other comments, quite correct, but it can be argued that his honour's remarks are not inconsistent. It can be argued that many university professors are highly, even outstandingly intelligent people, yet they are intelligent people that fail to understand tweed coats with leather arm patches make them look like dweebs, no matter the practicality.
