I think the military does things in a calculated manner and with good training. And from the results of their operation, it appears that they did it just right...
What part of "The military official said the SEAL snipers had multiple opportunities to shoot the pirates" do you not understand? Instead, the SEALs ended up having to shoot night vision at a boat pitching in six-foot swells. I am very grateful they were up to the task, but I would have rather they have been given carte blanche to shoot at the first opportunity.