I'm OK with the lion being able to change direction and whatnot, as long as it can't move more than two squares. I just realized that changing direction would really be the same as the igui move in this game anyway, so it wouldn't allow for two captures. I was just worried that a piece as powerful as a lion would be a bit too destructive on a board this size. It might not be so bad in reality though, since it is probably a lot easier to have all your pieces covered with only one row to worry about. Anyway, we'll see. By "use what we have for now" you mean with the lion being able to move as you suggested, right?
Go ahead and take your time. I'm in no hurry. :)