I think it's a cool touch to see "npcs" returning. Or maybe that's simply reducing the amount of character designs that need to be done.
Please don't let this be a "we can't be together for xxx reason so I avoided you but I secretly loved you all this time" thing

As for Kanna was rejected, I'd say
Aqua likes em bigger .
Looks like it's on Mem to fix things (as usual). She always ends up being the one doing all the backstage stuff that gets too little appreciation.
Anemone felt like she's holding back so I think she's taking a supportive stance similarly to the old Kanna.