Well, a couple of things to keep in mind here, is that I believe that negotiations may have had a two-fold (or more) effect. One would be to take off pressure and make the pirates think something might happen. Secondly, it allows for one to assess the situation better. And thirdly, I see two positive results from the negotiations, one result being that they gained the pirates trust enough to put a tow rope on the lifeboat (at the ridiculously close distance of a mere 25 yards, more or less), and the second result, being that they were able to get one pirate *off* the lifeboat (making the odds better when they did have to shoot the pirates).
So, when you buy time, make assessments and gather intel and put the enemy at ease and set up the situation to make your “move” all the more successful — that has all the makings of a successful operation...
I don't have a problem with dragging the matter out in order to wear down the pirates, get a SEAL team in place and to improve the tactical situation. I do have a major problem with not allowing the SEAL team to end it at the first and best opportunity.
The Muslim equivalent to “Hold muh beer”. Pointing an AK 47 at someone while Navy SEAL’s have a bead on you. Letting a SEAL team come so close was incredibly stupid. Our guys could have dropped these pirates with pistols at that range.