Actually by such a long times of contemplating without speak, the monk should be able to realize the truth and engage in more practice instead of increasing of attachment. As i know people who engage in silent retreat are aware and contemplate of what they are doing, thinking, especially speaking more than people who don't.
Well.. result is reflects that time and age doesn't help in anything if the person not aware and realize it. It can be just a second but someone can realize such a important thing like emptiness.
I think because of he is the head monk that why he allows to speak more than two words otherwise i don't think they are be able to communicate well if both are allow to speak only two words..