@SilentHugOfDoom Whatever solution you have chosen the image file had to be downloaded to be viewed. So, whether it will pop-up in a small separate window (like Picture in Picture), or will show in a new Tab is not so important from my point of view. The salient issue is whether you could open the image in other Opera window or in new Tab of the opened Opera Window only (like now) and if I'd be able to select target Workspace!
Anyway, new image window might be convenient feature and a sign of new look at the Opera by its Teamers.
