[Hugo Award Spoiler Alert] Questions answered about "Asymmetrical Warfare"

In my perusal of some initial reviews of Asymmetrical Warfare it seems to me that the readers who enjoyed the story the most were the ones whose interpretations were closest to my own.

I want readers to enjoy the story, for my own self-interest and because I want the story to be entertaining and thought-provoking. In order to share my perspective, I have decided to answer some common (and uncommon) questions here.

Why don't the aliens realize that some life forms don't regenerate?
Non-stellate slave races don't regenerate. The characters know this. The question is whether humans are a stellate race or a slave race.

Why don't the aliens know more about our culture and customs?
The Commander is engaged in a reproductive conquest, not a cultural exchange. If I write a longer sequel, maybe there will be time for foreplay.

Why didn't the Commander study our biology in more detail?
If it did, it would have found proof that humans were not a valid target for conquest. This would be an abomination in the eyes of the Council, and was not what the Commander wanted to hear.

How do the stellate races prevent overpopulation?
In combat, many bodies that are too badly damaged (or insufficiently damaged) will not regenerate. Effective mating requires combatants to be skilled with blade weapons. A very skilled practitioner could cut itself into pieces, but the Council discourages this. Rumor has it that anybody who tries this will go blind.

Isn't this story just about horny starfish?
It's about humans, too.

Is it possible to be slammed in the butt by a starfish?
Anything's possible.

I may add to this list over the next month or so.

Happy voting!