On the matter of the "mutual" wording, I think that was likely derived in that translation from the statement being that Tifa "communicated her feelings together with Cloud." In other words, they
mutually communicated their feelings. The feelings themselves aren't described as mutual -- though, as I've said elsewhere in this thread and in my article, that phrase and the one from the Ultimania Omega are frequently used to denote a communication of mutual feelings the way "realized their feelings for each other" is in English. Same connotation applies too. If nothing else, it can't be denied that they were trying to stoke some flames with their choice of wording, though it seems easier to just take its commonly understood meaning at face value.
That one just...makes my head spin. I'm sure FFIX's writers were that interested in shoehorning an FFVII allusion, especially since it was game they had absolutely no say or creative control over at all. Classic.
And Cloud apparently has no personality. Of course!
This all translates to them basically saying "I SEE PATTERNS WHERE NONE EXIST!! YAY CLUSTERING ILLUSIONS!!!!!"
Though parts of the explanation as written seem like reaching, I wouldn't be surprised if thaat were meant to be an allusion to FFVII. Not that it's really LTD-loaded anyway. Doesn't come across so much as an endorsement as a simple reference.
Besides, the chick doesn't sound like she likes the dude all that much to begin with.
Of more import, FFVII's key developers didn't oversee FFIX -- so, as the LTD goes, its allusions are only slightly more valuable than Itadaki Street Special's.
... 