I had assumed it was a similar intend to the Oberth, just packing more science equipment. As for the teeth, could play it as a reaction from starfleet as to how easy Grissom was destroyed.
Haven't played ST:O in years. Might try and get back into it over winter.
You could consider each deviation in the blueprints as adjustments to different production batches on the in universe ships based on service feedback from already in service ships.