The thing is, Graham, is that 2 is exactly what the original was, a homage piece to the 15 or so years of anime that proceeded it. It has everything we've seen come and go since the original came out, including Sailor Moon's talking cat. Its basically one big anime cliche. That's all it is mean to be. I think all of us were looking for a sequel to the original, when this is infact nothing more than a modren re-imaging.
I can't say whwether it is good or bad yet, I've only seen one episode. I'm waiting for the second to be subbed, and well, really waiting to see the entire thing before passing judgement. I gave Macross 7 50 episodes or whatever of whatching before declaring it crap, I can give Aim for the Top 2 a few more OVA's.