On the second view, I think there is no reason to think it was only a few days. Pike would not look so "good" if it was just a couple of days. He had a stupid bug thing on his brain stem or whatever they said. That must take a while to get over....

Also, it's the future, but these are still humans we're talking about. It would take forever for the bureaucratic planning bullshit stuff to go through.

Favorite thing about the movie this time? Spock's coat! It's got what looks like coconut patches on the shoulders, but they zip up into a bowl!!!! Classic!! I want one!