Sorry for the late response, and yes. It's bizarre. In fact, I think Joss's decision to 'go large' with this story is bizarre altogether. It doesn't play to his strengths IMO.

So, you're a former X-Men reader too? I followed the books for years but in the end I just couldn't take it any more and gave up. I'd occasionally dip back in when one of the writers did something I liked with my favourite character (Magneto, rather predictably, in case you were wondering), but I've even given that up now.