From what I've read the repositioning maneuver didn't help much if at all and that they were racing to get as much data as possible before the batteries ran out which could be some time today. It kind of sucks that so much money was spent and the time waiting to get there only to get a few days of research but that's the gamble you take when it comes to space exploration. All is not lost though because the solar panels may get the energy they need eventually as the comet gets closer to the sun, it's just a matter of when.
As far as the scientist with the shirt is concerned I will admit he chose the wrong shirt to wear for an event that would be internationally televised. It's not every day you see a physicist that's bold enough to dress like that and showing off his arms loaded with tattoos so I thought it was pretty cool.
