I’m going to see if I can go 2 for 2. I don’t think the plan has to be flawed (dead elves produce heat, flawless), but rather that the plan, even if flawless, upsets the balance. Instead of starving reindeer, say the obvious issue is that elves don’t want to be burned and start migrating south. Santa could just say who needs them anyway? I’d rather be warm. But if he decides that he can’t stand the thought of children not getting their toys because the elves have left, then the balance is upset.