That's why I enjoyed the Special Act, myself, even more, BECAUSE they got a bit more screen time, and you got to see how they all once were, for one thing, and what it would be like if they had done a spin off sort of series which focused upon their magical boy selves...
But yes, it really is my fave incarnation to the series, just as you said, because it's so different and that much more real and connective.