1) Yes, he is crazy. At least he's crazy for trying. Any sane person would not subject their $200+ processor to this kind of abuse. Sends shivers down my spine.
2) Yep. I think he's really lucky too b/c his CPU apparently still works.
4) Only possible explanation I can think of: He has his HSF perfectly mounted and somehow the contact areas were very flat and tightly bonded by the clip.