Recovery meal/shakes.... Over kill?

It's likely not necessary after any of your workouts (at least the vast majority of them).

Also, you should swim harder much more often.

A consideration is whether or not you are trying to loose fat% or build muscle etc....

Not to tell you that your nutrition plan isn't helping create shorter recovery times or to change anything you are doing at all, but another possibility for the shorter recovery times is the year of training.  Just pointing out that it is nearly impossible for an individual to isolate the impact that a specific item contributes to their performance.  But, certainly, if you are happy with the overall results of your program (including the recovery snacks), then stick with it.  Personally, I often get no recovery food (within 1 hr.) after many workouts (many swims, some runs and bikes).  Seems to work for me. 

Am I the only one that read that and thinks it sounds really gross? Vanilla protein powder and lemon crystal light?

I agree as well.  In general, balanced and well planned eating habits during standard training days is more than enough to get everything your body needs.  For ME, trying to work in a recovery drink after a simple 30 minute swim or 60 minute Z2 run is just adding calories that I would get anyways from a solid meal plan.

I simply work out then have breakfast/lunch/dinner since I don't like to workout on a full stomach.

This is important if you are doing multiple hard workouts in a single day.  Not doing a single daily session.

And my point is that it is unnecssary to take the MRP after each workout from a recovery perspective (as long as you get adequate fuel throughout your day, of course).  And the same result can be accomplished by eating real foods which, generally, has other helpful benefits too.  But if it's the ony way you will get the protein you want, then keep at it.