Kind of the idea in reducing the swerve. Hitting NTS would induce the swerve at the back of the boat/on deck, LPS hang up, etc.
Fuel topping would not be an issue on reverse and basic pilotage on takeoff. Overspeeding during the landing phase?
The 1st two passes the throttles were up and back over the tail of the boat. That was considered the least risky option.
I’ll take the word of someone who was there and the official debriefs.