It would be interesting if there was a setting for transform masks that allowed control over the overall weight of the transformation matrix / transformation effect. Although this setting doesn’t make a lot of sense for the transform tool in its normal use, Krita has non-destructive transform masks and animation curves that can make use of this setting.
It should be possible, for example, to add a transform mask with in Liquefy mode, and change the “alpha” from 0% to 100% so that the effects of liquefy slowly appear over the course of a few frames. This would allow non-destructive liquefy-based animations to be achievable in Krita.
An example of an animation that could be made this way:
Essentially instead of using liquefy a separate time for each frame, it should be possible to simply interpolate liquefy.