I flew MDT-DTW today on a Pinnacle operated flight. Before the the incoming had even landed the gate staff announced that it would be overweight and were looking for a single volunteer, I just happened to be well located and lax in my plans and got the spot with a very nice parting gift offered. As soon as those arrangements were made they then add if the pilot deem it necessary, I am still OK with my chances. I board the aircraft (last) pilot give the gate agent the all clear with me in earshot and the door is closed. We are then pushed off the gate and sit there for 45 minutes running the engines to lower the fuel weight. After doing this they give up and offload some checked bags and off we go.

Seems somewhat crazy that they would rather burn through fuel and aircraft/crew time to get to the magic number while causing a plane load of potential misconnects rather than sending a happy volunteer (me) on his way with some company script.

Is there something I am missing in their logic?