blown slave cylinder

I now this is a really strange question,but....My slave cylinder blew on my 92 se.A buddy helped me put a new one on,but he didn't put the clutch fork boot back on,said it wasn't really needed.
Of course the slave went KERPOW.
My question does the boot need to be back on to keep the fork in position.What would cause the slave to go,it is the original with a 145K on the car.
The clutch was changed less than 15,000 miles ago,the same person said the clutch is screwed,but i don't neccesarily believe him anymore.
All help is appreciated in advance.
Chris,

I had this problem on a '86. The boot does need to be on. That's why they give it to you. On my Max, the slave cylinder is very close to the motor and intake. It is subject to a lot of heat. However, mine went out with the master. The master leaked dry, air got in and wasn't bled out. Blew the slave. Then when I replaced the slave, the master took a major dump. Did your friend properly bleed the system?