Bigstu,
There are certain rules that we must abide by. Players have to learn to protect their own hand. They do not need to cover their hole cards with chips. They can place one hand on the cards (without covering them) and don't let go until you drop out of the hand or, win the pot.
The only time a dealer can go into the muck to retrieve a hand is; after it was properly tabled (face-up on the table) and the dealer kills the hand by mistake. If floorperson's and TD's use any other method to dig cards from the muck, they will open up too many thoughts of possible collusion between themselves and certain players. I know that I would have a tough time accepting a floorperson coming over to my table and retrieving an opponents hand from the muck, that costs me the pot.
That's the way I see it
Nick C