I gave one the ability to act is if they had the fly spell on them for 1 minutes 1/x day, could use a breath weapon 1/x a day, 15' cone 2d6 damage 1/2 on save stuff like that. You can thread in abilities without actually needing to change. Called it the blessing of Bahamut and was DM booned when they made choices in line with what Bahamut asked for them that required sacrifice on their part. I could totally take your idea and do tons with it. They are doing it with the illithid powers, there is not real reason to not unlock positive boons if they are doing the drain mechanic. Glimpses into the future keep the carrot on the stick for motivating people to behave a certain way. Want more illithid powers? Abuse the power. Want to unlock better skills for Gale? Give him more magic. Gith chick? Have options to let her battle one on one or something, who knows. But I think D&D needs to use
Chechov's Gun - if its going to be mentioned or in there, it needs to be used.
