So far, that was one of the only sensible post in this thread.
I, for one, consider it as more of a homage thing. Even if the design were to be used extensively, I don't think GAiNAX would really care, anyway. They're a pretty laid back and progressive studio. They didn't bust ADV for using layovers on the first Eva DVD, after all, even though it was a violation of their contract.
edit: hm, I need to remind myself to look at dates before posting. I was linked to this thread externally and didn't know it was an old topic.
