I didn't buy a Vanilla "bean". The capsules were sent from another OB member. They had not yet been intentionally cured either, although that was the donor's plan. Bottom line: the harvesting and storage of seed for further use has different requirements than harvesting and storage of the fruits (capsules).
Seed needs to be dried quickly to avoid rapid contamination of the entire thing. Moisture from the capsule tissue can provide a great place for bad stuff to grow, virtually ruining the seed. I imagine that the same oils that make Vanilla produce a desirable flavor also accelerate seed spoilage.