When integrated the two icons merge, but for Generation they split and yes the i icon rotates whilst the process is running. Now comes the good bit unless you change the duration this should happen every 21 days so you shouldn't see it that frequently.
Also if you set it up to generate when the screen saver is on, surely you wouldn't see it as hopefully you wouldn't be at the computer.
Whilst I have never had to Repair an infected file (this is where the VRDB comes in) to its pre-infected state I wouldn't consider disabling it. I have mine set to Generate when the screen saver is running, since I don't use a screen saver it is effectively disabled. However, every third week as part of my regular weekly system maintenance (after an on-demand scan) I do a Generate Now and go off for a coffee so I don't see the rotating icon.
You could also hide it using the Windows Start button customisation to hide the icon if it is that grating.
