@Sundown: When did you watched SDF Macross for the first time (or anything Macross)? Were you a Kid?
I watched SDF Macross (the robotech version) when I was 6 or 7 years old. I was hooked to it by its mecha and action sequences (specially the Zentradi ship explotion on the 1st episode). That's the same that I liked about Macross F. While I DO watch for character likeness/personality on other anime, that's what I first watch in Macross. Sure, after the initial awe with the mecha on SDF Macross, I continued to watch it for the plot and characters. And I hope to the same to happen with Macross F.
In any case, with the years, I have learned that you may hate some characters at first, but in the end, given a good plot; you'll like/love 'em.