They then made sound decisions based in the information they had from ATC about the length of time it would take to make a 2nd approach.
The above requires extra emphasis as many passengers think it's just a case of a quick circuit and in again. Not so. At busy airports it is not unusual to go on a "scenic tour" before being positioned back for a second approach. That would of course not apply if an emergency was declared, but if that was the case it would lead to more questions and possibly some paperwork!