Agreed.
We seem, as a culture, to feel we're owed, or entitled, to everything nowaways.
By releasing this information, there would have possible been a massive outcry by the (unconcerned) public and the families involved that the parties involved weren't doing enough. Everyone would have hopped on the "you're too slow to act" bandwagon. This despite not having any knowledge or expertise in the area.
They may have created some headaches at this point, but saved themselves a lot of undeserved headaches and media criticism by not releasing info earlier.
That is not true. The federal government does not charge for search and rescue.
Why do you believe otherwise?
Are you referring to the actual "government" ? because in that case, it definitely seems like they owe their own citizens something?