Imo, instead of asking why he didn't step aside, I think the fault is on the studio executives for wanting to go in that direction in the first place. They clearly wanted a different direction to classic Trek, otherwise JJ wouldn't have been their choice.
Not me forgetting my work computer password, locking my account out, puttering around all day, then not wanting to bother our IT guy because it's Friday afternoon and leaving it until Monday.
Dude, you shouldn't store condoms in your wallet.