I think it's just a split from people who love fighters and squadrons and people who love bipedal mechs and those who like both. Gerwalk is like the orphan who instead of being half of both ends up not being either for a lot of people and ends up in neither camp. And some of the Valks just don't seem to be designed for it, Vf-1's looks great for it, others... not so much. I love how it's a nice medium speed 'skate' that's a nice mix of speed and maneuverability (and amazing 'changed my mind, backing away now!" options) It's the only thing that can use full force while traveling in reverse or forward alike.
Personally, I find it iconic and really love it for vf-1's but when you start getting into some of the more advanced valks (vf-22, etc) it just looks like it was incuded for tradition, and not really desinged in.