The Abyss: Aliens or Just Really Advanced Humans?

Okay, so I just re-watched "The Abyss" last night, and man, that thing still holds up. I love the practical effects, especially considering it was made back in '89. The underwater sequences are just breathtaking. But something's been bugging me for years, and I wanted to get your guys' take on it. We're led to believe that these NTIs are aliens, right? Super advanced and peaceful and all that. But what if... hear me out... what if they're just really, REALLY evolved humans? Like, a future version of us that's adapted to live permanently underwater. Think about it. They seem to understand human emotions, they're able to create those water tentacles that mimic Lindsey and Bud's faces, and they ultimately decide to give humanity a chance after seeing Bud's sacrifice. It's like they're testing us, seeing if we're worth saving. Maybe this is how humanity survives after destroying the surface? It feels less like a first contact scenario and more like a distant relative finally showing up after you trashed the family home. Also, the suits! The way the NTIs just... create them for Bud? It's so seamless and organic. It feels like they're not just giving him a tool, but transforming him. It's almost as if they have some deep understanding of human physiology. It could be advanced technology, sure, but I keep thinking of how deeply they seem to understand human emotions. That's the thing that always strikes me, and I think it would make sense if they were a version of humanity trying to give us a helping hand. I'm probably reading way too much into it, but I can't shake the feeling that there's more to the NTIs than just generic space aliens. What do you guys think? Am I off my rocker? Is this just Cameron's thinly veiled message about humanity destroying itself? Or is there something more to the connection between the NTIs and us? Sound off!