A steward's support allows the captain to eat separately instead of attending the officers' mess for every meal. Officers can relax more when the commanding officer is absent, even though the executive officer's presence still requires restraint. A formal steward role also makes personal assistance an assigned duty. Bringing food or looking after the cabin therefore does not carry the same implication of seeking favor that it could for someone outside that role.
Notable Point · 2:26:19-2:27:15
Steward support preserves space between the captain and the wardroom
The captain's separate dining arrangements give other officers some respite, while defined steward duties reduce ambiguity about personal favors.