Those look like like Wago connectors. But if you "Pre-twist" the wires, how do you insert them?
http://www.wago.com/web/us/pdf/wall.pdf Thats what I was thinking of, couldn't remember the name of the company. But maybe they meant twist the strands before inserting? (Although, appantly not require for this product any longer...) Not all together.. Only thing
non-wire nut I can think of..... Has steel spring, don't know about this plating or other non-sense, you got me.
But, yes, I'm sure we can all go on forever bagging on screwy plans and spec's. I've also seen my share of plans that look like cartoons, and equally animated spec's. The worst is when you get someone that, in order to save face, will try to justify thier faux pas. Then you have to beat it out of them to complete the job.
A while back, an Arch. on this one project had every trade lined up for hours clarifying his "design". He got so wigged out, he hopped in his car, backed into a pole really hard, (Made like it didn't happen!) and bolted!