That's an interesting way to look at it.
And I think I agree. Despite Gunbuster being a parody/homage to super robo anime, I kinda liked it for what it was, an epic space opera. And I think most of us here are like that and expect some sort of epic space drama sequel.
Overall, it doesn't feel like the 1s gunbuster, but i'll give it a chance, being a huge Gunbuster fan and all that.
And about Buster Machines, yes i'm quite sure there are a number of Buster Machines right now, since during Noriko's time, they had those Silver something mass production buster machines.....
But I STILL can't get over the fact that the new Buster machine looks like a delinquent high school student.