Agree, they are called variable Fighters afterall, not variable Battroids.
To me atleast its always fighter first, as realistic as they can get it. But it still needs to transform into a kickass robot.
Legs doesn't bother me at all if it means a slim and sleek looking fighter.
Best solution would have been to include an extra set of thicker, bigger legs for those who want to pose it mainly in B mode, like the extra hands for the TV-VF-1's.