The issue of using two brains to construct a "new" Cortana is that it ignores the actual process of making a smart A.I. They don't have the "memories" of their original. Many smart A.I. do not even know who their human donor was, because besides Halsey, the donor brain is from someone who is now dead.
The creation of a smart A.I. involves mapping the neural patterns of a brain by sending signals through it many, MANY times and imprinting those patterns onto a specialized core. So trying to scan two brains would literally not work. Every brain is too unique, and "memories" have nothing to do with the process.
And since you guys mentioned it, yes, Promethean Knights are the result of the Forerunners seeing the failure of the Composer to reconstruct biomass.
Also, rewards don't always mean money! You run a podcast for fuck's sakes. If people are sending you listener mail, it might be because they want to be heard on that podcast. Maybe you could "reward" people with a GUEST spot! =D
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