Re: Caldari style.
So. I think there are a few issues here. In the first place, there's naturally going to be drift in what looks 'stylish' and 'futuristic.' After a decade, aesthetics have likely drifted enough that certain faction's ships will start seeing design drift to chase aesthetics. Increased technical capability also factors into this, of course.
Further, let me be honest: Caldari ships may have had a 'funky, no-holds-barred, utilitarian' style before, but asymmetry was the worst element of it. The first and simplest issue is that asymmetrical ships will have lower rates of re-use of parts, because you'll end up needing different assemblies for different engine sizes, fins, etc. This decreases production efficiency, and efficiency is supposedly a Caldari hallmark.
Asymmetry requires significantly more effort to maintain thrust through the center of gravity, with potential issues with tendencies to yaw or roll. A lot of asymmetrical Caldari ships had really funky engine plumes and odd engine placement, making me wonder if the artists had gone with 'rule of cool' in place of basic design.
So. Frankly, I don't mind seeing the asymmetry go. Radically asymmetrical ships were dumb, even if they were characterful.
Now, agreed that these ships do have a bit more of the 'bird of prey' look that previously had been a notable element of Amarr cruisers-- from the Omen's hooked nose to the Prophecy's chubby space chicken style. Further, agreed that this looks like it's intended to be aerodynamic. Both of these make me go, "eh," a little bit.
Still. The Moa was a god-awful, ugly ship before. I for one love the new Moa, making it the first time I've ever actually liked the ship in my decade of on-and-off EVE play.
