The way I look at it, the OG Stormcast were a statement as much as an army. They were gleaming, giant, golden warriors whose uniformity stood in stark contrast to the forces of Chaos. They were human, but something more and something less, descending from the heavens as living weapons. This was the message to both the forces of Order and Chaos. Years and years later, Stormcast are regular sights in the cities of Sigmar, and everyone's just kinda used to them. They're no longer mythical avatars of Sigmar's vengeance; they're "just" super-powered soldiers. And because their Dawnbringer Crusades don't see them shooting down from Azyr, but instead marching forth from their Stormkeeps, armor that lends itself more to extended campaigns was in order. The original Liberator is what got me into the army, 20k-odd points ago, but with Realms of Ruin giving us them in Thunderstrike form, I'm pretty 4th ed. is going to push them out.
A friend and I talk about the different look of old vs new SE frequently. He's all about the OG SE and I'm loving the new Thunderstrike suits. They are both pretty solid looking minis.
Regarding Stormcast aesthetics, my favorite unit is Annihilators, but my second favorite is a tie between all the other Paladins units. I think they look like what they're supposed to be- big linebacker-type guys smashing (slowly) across the battlefield. But for basically every other unit, I like the new Thunderstrike armor better. I think Vindictors look waaaay better than Liberators. The guests army looks great as well, btw! Really lovely to watch as a Stormcast enjoyer.
I love all Stormcast looks! Every model except the Knight Arcanum really. I am hoping Stormcast aren't the poster boys next edition, we could use a few of those heroes going to legends and maybe some Thunderstrike versions of a few models.
