Nephi would not have been prepared for the drastic measures it took to get the brass plates unless he knew it was his only option. He learned this valuable lesson from his first inspired, but failed attempts. This important account shows us that incremental revelation is often part of a larger learning process.
To respond with patience means that we recognize that revealed truth often comes slowly, line upon line, and so we must be patient with those prophets from the past who did not have the greater light and knowledge that God has revealed to us. They were still waiting and praying for what we have already received. In addition, the scriptures teach that false cultural traditions can actually take away light and give us spiritual blind spots that make it difficult to perceive a cultural evil all around us (D&C 93:39). Rather than be offended by this, we should be patient with them and grateful for the light that we have. Otherwise it is like standing on your dad’s shoulders and then criticizing him for not being able to see as far as you can.