@3dRaven, scaling is actually the first thing I did, but because the impulse-hashmarks (horizontal speed lines) change over time, that, in essence, meant that the object changed shape over time as well.
I concede, I probably could have gotten away with it, but I, personally, wouldn’t have been as satisfied as I am know.
So, the question is academic at this point:
Is morphing generally preferred in this situation, or spriting? And how the hell would I morph it if morphing were the better option?