[ would it have been better if he ripped it out with his fingernails? that's much less hygienic, says the guy who had it all in his facial hair and teeth. ]

Considering there's only been one death the past two times, I'm assuming they're not allowed ― for one reason or another ― to attack every day. Maybe they're busy making the weapon, or they just wanted to wait to provide a surprise.

I guess they got their way to an extent, if that's the case.