I think Necalli is a pretty good design as well, even if it is not the most creative design. The visual changes between his normal and V-trigger modes are great, though, and help make him a very distinct character in SF (contrast with other V-triggers that just add particle effects and/or change skin-colors). On the other hand, Laura is the only new character I do not like, since there is little more to her visual design than straight up fan-service. Her move-set is pretty interesting, however.
So I am cautiously optimistic about this season's characters, despite the lack of information.