> Updating the status dashboard is pretty low priority for operators trying to resolve this issue

Which is why, during incident responses, there has to be people in charge of communication. Both internal and external communication, and some of this can be further delegated.

That's a poor excuse.

> It requires escalation up the management chain and careful wording

Careful wording is more important for external stakeholders who might not have the full context. If one is stepping in eggshells with internal management too, that's bad management. Incident communication should be factual and concise.