‘When I start to talk, it is already a smoky kerosene lamp. As long as I must give a lecture, I have to explain: “This is right practice, this is wrong, this is how to practice zazen…” It is like giving you a recipe. It doesn’t work. You cannot eat a recipe.’ (Not Always So)

I suspect that Suzuki Roshi knew very well what Dogen had to say about painted rice cakes and hunger, but did not want to confuse his students further (which is what you call skilful means).