[BrianG]

Those thick strands are probably the direct coil wires. Usually, they wind the coils with fairly thick gauge varnish-covered (for insulation) wire and simply bring the ends out to hook up the wires. Then, they apply some type of solvent to the end to remove the insulating layer and tin them. They are stiff because the wires are thick and are solid (rather than stranded like noodle wire). It might seem like a hack job, but has less resistance than attaching looser wires internally; one less connection.

They will bend, but since they are solid, I would try to bend them only once. If you bend them back and forth the wire will eventually break.