Well than I guess my question is what is the: (^ present)

ON ^*:NOTICE:*This nickname is registered and protected.*:?: {
if (( $nick == NickServ ) && ( AnimeNetworks isin $network )) {
.msg NickServ IDENTIFY <PASSWORD>
}
}

doing? versus the: (no ^)

ON *:NOTICE:*This nickname is registered and protected.*:?: {
if (( $nick == NickServ ) && ( AnimeNetworks isin $network )) {
.msg NickServ IDENTIFY <PASSWORD>
}
}

Because the 1st one recognizes the NickServ message:

-NickServ- This nickname is registered and protected. If it is your
-NickServ- nick, type /msg NickServ IDENTIFY password. Otherwise,
-NickServ- please choose a different nick.

Whiel the second does not...