I think your essential question is absolutely spot on and a very useful thing to think about:
If we could provide the appropriate conditions that would unlock their genetic potential (that has evolved over thousands of years etc.) to deal with all the harsh situations they encounter daily in the wild, that would be far better than having to resort to "tricking" them to eat etc. Ideally, they should just be ravenous...and all would be wonderful and, similarly, with regards to all aspects of hognose husbandry.
However, in reality, I view it as just a theoretical question.
We can't replicate nature, in a 3 foot box.
So we all just try to provide what is needed to reach the goal of animals that thrive.....
It's just about closing that gap, that's all...
Many of us brainstorm and compare notes, even though you seem to find that hard to believe.
It would be nice if we could just find the secret ingredient, but I believe there are several ingredients.
I think we have plenty yet to learn about hogs.
You and Will think you've already got all the answers.
If you do, then why are you asking us the questions.
If it's just to ram your answers down our throats, then don't bother.
You can tell me all day long that you bred hogs 30 years ago, but I learned long ago to close the door in the face of missionaries.

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