I'm not sure how I feel about this one to be honest.
It's a funny story but if it is completely accurate as recounted (not doubting you OP) then it verges very closely on unprofessional from the crew in my opinion.

They should be able to deal with a self-upgrader quickly and with minimum fuss.
It's a waste of food and a bit of over-the-top theatrics.

I know that makes me sound like Oscar the Grouch and I am honestly not like that (honest!) so I imagine that it was very context-dependent.
Also I feel unreasonably irked by the bit where the passengers in the row ahead of him tell him to get back to Y- just leave it to the crew to deal with would be my thought....