I really like where the new concept is going. It seems The Kaiju type battles would be fun. Especially, if we have abilities as players that would work with the THMPR's abilities. Like we can distract the monster, with risk to our safety, so the THMPR can setup a devastating attack. Give the THMPR abilities that we can issue commands for it to use.
Just brainstorming stuff here, I had my creative hat on.