I would imagine that eating from your hand would go at a slower pace than
eating from the bowl.  Maybe that's it?
If it is the bowl, perhaps try some different ones like ceramic.  I have had
a few cats at the shelter that prefer plates to bowls.  They knock their
food out of the bowl onto the floor of their cage.  When I put the food on a
plate, no problems.

Binge and purge! lol

So they did good with the hand feeding.

To test out your bowl theory; put as much in the bowl as you did you
hand.
Lead cat over to bowl with the morsel in your hand...drop it in, and
walk off.
Otherwise, they are going to start begging for body temperature foods.

When dispensing food; I have found if I stick around; they will find
something to complain about.

It's like being a waiter, just assume it is all good, and whatever you
do don't make eye contact, it's veiwed as a sign of weakness. lol

Could be the stainless steel. I do believe chemicals are used in its
production. Might be your problem. They tell you not to store food in
stainless steel bowls or with stainless steel utensils in your fridge.
This is a well-versed group of kat loverz, so someone here might hit on
it.

                          IBen