Going back to scenario #3 in the original post (mechanical problem safely resolved eventually eg rough running engine), my humble offering is that a Pan call is the height of common sense, having had to do this twice in the last coupe of days. It just gets the correct amount of care and attention that takes a little of the stress out of what can be a difficult situation. No one should be considering what happens thereafter, just ask for and get the most assistance that you can. What happens afterwards, if anything, is utterly irrelevant to getting help at the time you need it.