I'll go for the first down.
I think it is really bad style to set up a top rope and “work” a route which you are not ready for. This practice reveals a total lack of understanding about how to get better at climbing. One needs to progress incrementally with well understood goals. Stretch your limits? Of course. Hopelessly flail? Makes you worse.
A big part of the art of climbing is to choose your routes wisely.
I don’t think the OP or any other reasonable person would be bothered by the early bird who got there first if they are progressing reasonably on the climb and not abusing it. I for one would be offering encouragement.
Also I am surprised that the point I have raised earlier on this thread: that flailing climbers damage the route, has got no traction in this discussion. This flailing bs is a real issue in Joshua Tree.