Originally Posted by Globaliser

Isn't this incident at about that level of seriousness?

The catered aircraft couldn't depart. It sounds like the airline had a choice between sending an alternative aircraft out sooner, reducing the delay to passengers and causing them less inconvenience; or waiting until the replacement aircraft could be catered and thus increasing the delay. It opted for the former of the two evils. Many would applaud that, particularly those in the lounge (like the OP) who were invited to take some refreshments with them to make up for the problem.

But perhaps no good deed should go unpunished.