In answer to 2, an element of keeping opponents guessing, keeping morale up amongst supporters and hopefully waiting to reveal the news alongside the signing of some replacements to help with the morale thing.
Well, he's not an improvement if he's not fit is he? Scouting is about so much more than whether a play is any good, we need to be looking at players who fit the system rather than expensive stop-gap measures.
I'm not saying he can't do a job but seeing you post his name on every other thread...