You know, I like #1 most cos, I mean, one handed...

But I do like the idea of #4 because then you could have several of a boys around Joe at the time (they do have plenty of look at. :3). And, if they do actually add group grapples, that'd just add to it.
I honestly don't like #4 much, I haven't seen it implemented well in the past, but if they did it right, like the way you're suggesting, I'd be a fan. Like how the [{ and }] buttons control speed in game, they could bind keys (probably '@ and ~# for ease of use) exclusively to the gallery to allow players to progress the animation and level [{/}] to manage speed! ^^
But I'm rambling, I always get ahead of myself when thinking stuff up. :3