I think I figured it out

[radreef02]

For months it has been a battle of torches losing their heads and just popping off even when they were extremely healthy and full extension

I believe I found the culprit.

Type of nudibranch?

 

[Timfish]

Have you tried bumping them off the coral? Those look like they might be mesenterial filaments. If they are they'll be firmly attached to the coral.