It was a nice idea, and the actual flashbacks were nice, but it was executed HORRIBLY. No lead up, no real follow up. If even Irvine had made a "just like always" comment that no one got, it might have been better.

That and a better explanation as to why they didn't remember might have helped. Or, again, more of a lead up to the fact that GFs do in fact occasionally interfere with memory issues. Hell, make a point of it. Make it so any SeeD training with GFs were mandated to keep a recorded journal to refresh their memories and other precautions taken to make sure the GFs did not permanently damage their memories.