The Abyss: Aliens, or SOMETHING Else?

Okay guys, so we just finished watching The Abyss, and woah. Still processing all that, lol. But something's been bugging me ever since Bud was down there breathing that liquid oxygen (which, btw, looked terrifying - can you even imagine?!). I think the whole 'aliens' thing is waaaay too simple. Yes, the NTIs (Non-Terrestrial Intelligences) are clearly advanced and peaceful by the end, but I think it's more complicated than just space aliens crashed in the ocean. Remember when Lindsey gets "revived" in the med bay? I got a real weird vibe there. It was TOO easy. She was clinically dead for a good chunk of time, right? So, what if the NTIs aren't just aliens, but some kind of hyper-evolved humans? Maybe they're us from the future, or a parallel evolution of humans who adapted to the deep sea and gained incredible mental abilities. I mean, the way they manipulated the water, the sentience they displayed... it felt more like a deeply understood natural power than some super-advanced technology. And think about the ending. They showed Bud the potential for global destruction, but then CHOSE to show mercy. Wouldn't just regular aliens be like, 'meh, let them destroy themselves'? The fact that they intervened and gave humanity a second chance feels very personal, like they have a vested interest in our survival. Plus, Bud’s whole speech at the end? Seemed like he understood them on a deeper level than just "aliens who saved our butts." I dunno, maybe I'm reaching. It just feels like Cameron was hinting at something more profound than just underwater ETs. Anyone else get that vibe, or am I alone in my weird Abyss theory corner? Maybe I need to go back and re-watch, lol.