Seems unusual. Wonder what the qualifications for being admitted to being a monk are? That statement, “I feel bad. I thought he would be a whole changed person. But something just snapped in his head.” sounds like the guy was somewhat new to the order.
Perhaps make the admittance to the monk level more stringent?
Levels of Monkdom ?
maybe ten levels,
with oakleaf clusters ?
Or a sash with a little fringe?