I'll take a punt that the Captain was occupied doing the job that he is primarily employed for, pre-departure checks, maybe ground staff in the flight deck with LMC's to the loadsheet, minus 4 punters, plus 4 of god's gift plus 4 bags etc. etc. etc
I've got a reeaal simple view of what I'm primarily employed for, to do what is necessary to keep my crew, passengers, aircraft and cargo from coming to any harm. If I can fly them efficiently and on time to their preferred destination then that's great, if not, no problem as long as I achieve the primary goal.