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First, let me say that the largest O. scyllarus ever recorded was 175 mm, right at 7 inches. Anything larger than 6 inches is very large for this species and most have trouble molting.
The fact that pieces were thrown out in stages does not mean that he was molting over a long period. Animals often bury their molt skin and then gradually dig it up - sometimes eating the softer parts.
As I've said before, most stomatopods in captivity die during a molt and the older the animal, the more likely it will happen. Such is life (and death) for a stomatopod.
Roy
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