Hmm, this episode was unexpectedly a bit easygoing and lighthearted, and it was a setup for the romance that we were expecting. I was wondering when Yuuta was going to contemplate possible romantic interest as he hasn't shown any since pure mode Nibutani. It's amusing how he didn't really think about it and Isshiki sort of started the train of thought. We also see a bit from Rikka's perspective.

I was hoping they'd go a bit more into Rikka's issues, but I'm guessing the romance will be a way of addressing it.

One other key point we see in this episode is Yuuta's reasoning for his Dark Flame Master as a means of dealing with loneliness. This probably verifies that all the characters have specific reasons for being chuunis, though some may not be as serious as Rikka's. I'm still really interested in Nibutani's reasons as her quotes seem to constantly be about love.

I guess Isshiki is pretty much grounded into his role for Kumin. I'm hoping something develops their characters a bit more, whether one way or the other.

Episode 7's KyoAni bonus material and commentary translation

EDIT:

Apparently I'm blind and missed the part that hipstergropaga mentioned here. I think many of us just incorrectly assumed it was from episode 1.

EDITx2:

Episode 8's KyoAni bonus material and commentary translation. Props to ultimatemegax for providing us with all this in a timely manner.

Preair bonus material and commentary translation