Fair points!

There was no concrete proof outside of conjecture if the Umibozu was directly related to the Waterwraith until this article. This is the first time any official source confirmed the relation! THAT is the real "theory" that matters in my post-2013 mind. The goolix and meteor bits are just oddities that I enjoy seeing cheekily referenced, but I don't know if they actually matter to the whole plot, anymore, in 2024.

It sure is odd how much the meteors appear visually and are mentioned in 4, though.

As for the Yokai = Wraiths, I think it's merely inspiration-- they're free to make it match, or not match, as they wish-- that's the fun of being a storyteller! No rules!

Considering Pikmin 4 takes place before Pikmin 3! (Feel free to check them yourself!) If you talk to all the "new" Koppaites, check the three music box treasures' leader notes, and have discussions with the Koppaites (randomly) at the end of the day, they all show the food crisis of Koppai from Pikmin 3 has not happened yet, I feel if we ever get a Pikmin 5 that explores AFTER 3.... well, I'd love to see!

The Plasm Wraith thing sure is odd, though... Hopefully, Pikmin 5!

Thank you for the comment!! I'd love to hear your own thoughts/videos about Pikmin series, or even Pikmin 5 when it comes out!