Wouldn't a tase been better option. I have never been arrested, but the thought of someone's knee on my throat doesn't sound appealling or a humane way to apprehend a suspect. How about you?
Well he was exhibiting health problems, so a taser would not be applied, for fear of heart failure.
The swarm tactic is specifically to use less force. It works well.
The knee on the neck is a standard thing. That happens just about any time there is a takedown to ground. And I have experienced it first hand, twice... It does not cut off your air. It can hurt like hell, but also doesn't have to.
In the LEO bag of tricks, that swarm and pin tactic is not only about as humane as it gets, it is also very effective. So I don't see the problem.
I also find it worth a little snicker that you consider 'humane and appealing' the priority in a takedown. Jussayin.