Well I've tinkered with the scoop-in code to reduce the thing-on-a-spring syndrome, and I'm messing with the exhaust code inspired by Ahruman's suggestions...
"The planet Rear is scourged by well-intentioned OXZs."
Actually, I still can't scoop metal fragments. They no longer take off at high speed though, I just get 'Target Lost' every time I attempt to scoop one.