How is it possible that my flight was delayed for not having a crew?

[MineralMan]

50. How is it possible?

Have you looked at the weather map for the US? No crew available can mean almost anything. Maybe the shuttle bringing the crew to SFO was in a terrible accident. The thing is that the gate agent has no idea why there is no crew available. The gate agent only knows that there is no crew available. Insisting that the gate agent tell you why ignores the fact that the gate agent is there to check boarding passes and see that everyone boards. That is it.

You were upset that the flight was delayed. OK. We're all upset when a flight we're on is delayed. The gate agent, however, cannot make a crew appear, and doesn't even know why one is not available. When the "Delayed" flag appears on the screen, you can go up an ask the gate agent how long the delay is likely to be, but he or she won't know that information either. When they figure it out, an announcement will be made in the gate area. Until then, the best plan is to get another cup of coffee or a Cinnabon, and use the free wireless access at the airport to good purpose.

I hope your plane finally took off.