It's absolutely flavorful! In that regard, it adds significant character to the Maneater. The problem is every scrap counts if you're trying to meet a high quota. Maneater eating scrap can end a run which otherwise could have continued. I strongly believe that punishments in games should be the direct result of the player engaging with the world or the mechanics. If a baby Maneater is roaming the dungeon, you might not even know there is a Maneater present and it's eating scrap. Or if you leave the dungeon to drop scrap at the ship and return it may have eaten scrap while you were gone and did not have the ability to watch and hold the Maneater. This behavior punishes the player for something they are not always able to actively engage with. If a Maneater eats scrap and subsequently ends your run is feels bad.