That's a clue. Moreover, there's that magical word "as if." It kind of hints that Grant being shot with spores is like bullets, but not really. It's a clue.
A sieve from a machine gun? Sounds doubtful. And lol, what's the point of marines killing someone other than with a machine gunner?
What's this nonsense about Kosh?
You have to be an idiot to, having an unlimited, overpowered ability like Voltigore, use the weak ability of the Drone? Either healing or defense worked there. I understand that successful natural defenses of Neboks aren't described.
The same thing with the Operators. Healing or defense worked.
Regarding Hos. In Half-Life, the only flying alien enemy, if I remember correctly, is the Controller. And it's actually floating in the air, believe me.
Any other misunderstandings?