Right, ive tried to make the beam larger, but i dont think it can be done. Ive tried all sprite size combinations, and the best one was 256 across by 8 down, but this was only slightly larger. The beam head you can make any size, and making lighting around the beam head, sure that can be done. But were not gonna get a bigger beam without changing some code........
*edit* what vegetto model was this? id like to have a look at it. Your right, he did charge with his arms out first, but to make it more like the show you would have to charge like that for ages, and i think that the esf team are just trying to speed the attack up.