I agree that the Wave kit is underwhelming, but I don't think that the Imai or CM versions do any better. To me, the iconic soldier is the illustration on the box of the old Imai kit. Compared to that, the Wave design looks like a gnome, mostly because of the tiny body and chest, which in turn makes the head look too big. The lower legs should be longer, the arms are too wide.
I hope to see the new kit in the upcoming model magazines with a paintjob that is not so heavy on the panel lines. Maybe that will improve the look slightly.