Question: Why does he need to acquire it? Why will designating each one's portion not suffice?

Source: Similar to a borrower, in connection with which we learned above (on Daf 38.) 'Even though they only gave it to him on Yom-Tov'.

Answer: A borrower relies on the vessel more than guests on the portions.

Implied Question: He could not have extrapolated that from the Reisha 'If the residents of that town made an Eiruv, they may not bring it'?

Answer: Because it may well be that those with whom it is deposited did not participate in the Eiruv.

Explanation #1: According to Rashi, they are dates that never ripen on the tree, and that one picks from the date-palm and places them in specially manufactured baskets, where they ripen.

Explanation #1 (cont.): And Rebbi Shimon now asks as to whether one is permitted to eat them on Yom-Tov?

Refutation: This is not correct however, as this is not the implication of 'Patz'ilei Temarah'.

Explanation #2: They are actually young dates which will become very sweet when they eventually ripen, but which have not yet reached that stage.

Explanation #2 (cont.): So one cuts them in half with a knife, and brings them up on to the roof to dry.

Implied Question: They are not comparable to 'dried figs and raisins' ...

Answer: since (unlike them) they have never been 'pushed away', since they have never been fit to eat in the first place.