I think that once you guys are able to savor these dainties in person you will realize that leaving them in their natural state is the way to go. That is, of course, based on the asssumption that Wild Wilf doesn't do something to them while they pass through his hands.
I am not holding out much hope that these delectables will be in any condition for further travel after Dave Samson has them. His comment "after I'm done with them, I'll dispatch the remaining threads to Aussie Mike........" gives me the mental image of someone who probably is into rough sex with undergarments. I can also a picture a whole trail of bleeding sheep.....