worst part is the realisation that his lack of pace is hitting your own back pocket
Which is why when doing A/T retrieves I always tried never to stuff around, knowing only too well it wasn`t my money I was spending!
I always climbed at standard speed of 68kt to about 2,000 ft then went into a cruise climb of 75 to 85 kt depending on the Glider concerned.
Once they had sufficient altitude to get home and they released I went into the usual descent of 105kt and 2300rpm. It always seemed to get me to the circuit area at circuit joining height.
Never had any complaints.