It's cool that you know the more personal side of Hans. From your angle, it sounds like he climbs the Nose with "German precision" and can probably recite every hold, every gear placement.
What I got out of the article was:
He tried adding a new trick to the pendulum. He missed the finish and had to do it again, costing precious time. His partner may not have been aware of Hans's intention to do this new trick. This failed trick certainly had a consequence; it cost them time.
Higher up, they cut extra corners on safety to save time. I would think if they were concerned about time, Hans wouldn't have had added that trick. Something here just doesn't quite mesh.
Hans can do whatever he wants to do.. I just get nervous reading it, even with your reassurance of his mindset. I hope any partner of mine would slap me upside the head were I to be the lion. (Hey, it's sunny, let's skip digging a pit so we can beat that other party to get first turns down the powpow!)