New guy looks like a.....a hippie. Heck, it may just be me but doesn't he look like a hippie? Dang.

And hey, I like this 'cloudette'--kicks ass, wears clothes that are not skin-tight, wields a sword; what's not to like?

Fran is a real name for an old lady.

And I'd rather play as a character named "Anal Leakage" than "Teedus"
He has a point--fran is a name for an old lady "And behold the mighty, FRAN!!!" ......Nope, it just doesn't sound right.

every time I look at that 2nd part I laugh.

I hear that. Though I think the designs more so slipped when Nomura became head character design. He's had a few good designs over the years, but he's already repeating himself and just making clones with new "cooler" stuff that honestly looks more stupid then his last idea.
Well, it seems to me that he got famous on making one of the most famous FF characters of all time. Completley fits the criteria of 'good looking'. An ideal person, one might say. Now, people are looking for that same design again. It's expected of him to do so. Go with what works--the only way to be sure that you'll stay in buisness. You'll see Nomura as the head of character design for many years to come, I believe.

But at least they're improving on the clothing a little, you have to admit. I mean, who the hell would go into battle wearing a leotard? Or a dress? It's plain retarded. Practical clothing, we're starting to see more of. That's good. That's very good. I wish for them to pursue this. Forever.