This sounds like a missed opportunity to coach rather than fix. What if the lead had discussed the business objective and problem and then asked the developers

This sounds like a missed opportunity to coach rather than fix. What if the lead had discussed the business objective and problem and then asked the developers to come up with a time bounded solution? My guess: one of two things would have happened - the team would have arrived at a better solution or they would have found the same need for the original proposal. Either way everyone comes away feeling empowered and productive.