Wow. It's like someone gave Selphie a personality. They didn't find machines. From what I understand, they sound some kind of horrible ancient weapon. It was bad enough that they abandoned the refinery, although I guess Bahamut taking up residence on one of the levels really didn't help that much. Yeah, lightning plus water is never a good equation. I should do that to Raijin next time he catches a fish before me.
Summoners? As in...specific people that summon things? We have something like that, except pretty much anybody can do it if they junction a Guardian Force. I could do it now, although I'm pretty sure nobody wants a big fire-breathing dragon running around right now, so I won't.