If the flight was in the queue (which the odd bit of taxiing you did seems to imply) there was nothing they could do but make the best of a bad situation.

New York JFK can be a 1 and a half hour taxi even on a good day so bear that in mind. I never understand why the ATC in the US cannot let aircraft leave the stands in order, and not just have them line up..... the wastage of fuel and passenger comfort seems to not be important to them.