to anwser your question
does it hurt to remember the prophet (and celebrate Mawlid like you celebrate your birthday) and do the prayer at the same time?
i did not complain you about valentine !! or did i miss something?
did you read my comment about juloos? It was about remembering the Prothet (pbuh) and reaching out to others by giving them roses.
is that something BAD?
Why do people do Dawa? why not sit on the prayer mat and pray that everyone will get the message of Islam without doing any effort!!
I would say reach out and touch mate 
i really think it was a lame excuse (nothing personal)