I wasn't too keen on their design either. They looked pudgy and completely non-threatening. They were comical, which was fine. But in time like the hoard battle when everything's supposed to be grim and dark it didn't blend well.
This is true. Skyward wasn't big on the tension even when it tried to be intense. I think that is why I found it so boring. I'd go as far as to say the same for Girahim I can't take a boss seriously who looks like an androgynous 12 year old.