The endgame arc really heats up. Maybe it's the new approach/transformation sequence, which also places Anthy as part of Utena's team and not just a prize to be fought over. Or maybe it's that we know everyone so well now.
Oh, and the YouTube upload is legitimate and from the real licensor.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrrh84y760v-hDEulas0Tp_wiQy0FcjLl
I do want to know what Akio showed the other duelists to get over their reluctance.
I'm going with seduction, unless anyone has a better suggestion.
The show implies that they have tried this several times, so I bet he's good at it by now.