If I remember correctly there are disembodied heads and hands in the "Additional Figures" library. they are of the P3/P4 variety but the right and left hand would load as seperate figures without the additional body parts adding geometry to contend with. 

As far as why the James figure's hands are acting as they are, I have no idea. It definitely sounds odd to me.

And yes as Sam said, you can choose (in P7 anyway) to save an entire material collection or a single material. If you save the collection it will save all materials attributed to the figure or object you have selected at the time of the save.

Hey! His nose is dry! ... Someone should lick it,  just in case. - Diego