For those wondering, "that thing" in the changed OP was drawn by Shiho Takeuchi. Kyoda made a specific effort to mention that in a tweet of his. What's the significance? Takeuchi is one of the main mecha animators on the show and he is also the one responsible for the new Nirvash's cleaned up animation design. That's a strong hint that it is probably as important as most of us are thinking it is.
