When a defendant wants to represent himself, the judge has to do an examination of the defendant to see if the defendant is competent to represent himself. The judge did that--in fact, he had to do make that decision so there wouldn't be reversible error on appeal (and I sure don't want this case to be tried again).
My guess is that Muhammed's lawyers went to him last night and begged him not to continue representing himself--especially after the judge physically separated Muhammed from his lawyers so they couldn't coach him.
Not really. This is a good thing. First off, it prevents Muhamhead from making it a circus. Second, and most important, it removes an obvious ground for appeal.