Heeeeey, why single ME out as most likely to make a "It doesn't
do anything! That's the beauty of it!" comment?
:p
I'm one of those who do like in-universe explanations for things, though - Obviously the Aliens changed appearance because the suits needed to be more mobile, or something else was changed because the new FX guys wanted to put their stamp on the series, or because MOICHANDISING!
The REAL purpose of the popguns is "To look cool".
In-universe, though...
I'd lean towards the medkit idea, were it not for the identical designs of the belt tools and SG batteries.
That factor alone leads me more towards it being some form of battery / multicharger in itself.
Kinda like the thing I have for my iPhone that I can plug any USB device into to charge it when there's no outlet available.
Which leads to an interesting point - How well would the Colonial Marines have done if they WERE dropped into Vietnam?
Up against an enemy who don't need to charge their weapons overnight before use?
