You both make excellent points. Perhaps the difference in the accounts of the probes is not as sinister as I had first suspected. Your analysis is consistent with the apparent mental age of the probes and is likely correct. That does shed a different and more "gentle" light on the subject.
Assuming your assertions are correct, how does this affect the efficacy of information we have received from others? I am specifically considering how the accounts from Gail about the landing/communications platform may require revision. We never asked her if all compartments were empty. We asked her what did she see. She could easily have positioned herself such that she could not see Daniel still in his compartment or lying broken on the ground. Remember, they have learned a simple understanding of death and are afraid of it. If they have found Daniel in an inoperative state, they would consider him dead and not necessarily want to face it. Making certain not to be able to see what she does not want to report is not exactly lying, but it is deceptive. You are right, GZ, "Hmmm... Let me think some more."