AS 38 SEA to FLL departed an hour late yesterday (OK, 0:59 late). Plane was not at gate at time of departure but was instead in hangar according to announcements. Further announcements (passengers not kept well informed) were two or three times we don't know what's up, and then statement that plane had been towed "almost" to gate and SeaTac ATC ordered plane to return to hangar because there was too much ground traffic yesterday morning at SeaTac. What gives? AS can't get the plane to the gate for an on-time departure? Is this AS's fault or Air Traffic Control's fault or PPP (P!ss Poor Plannning)? Would you expect some compensation from AS? There were no claims of mechanical problems, weather was as good as it can ever get in Seattle in April (or May or July for that matter).