Man, I've actually dug all the newcomers so far to a degree.
Poor Necalli was done so dirty by the story mode that he's being buried in this thread.
Anywho, I think it's clear that Rashid is the standout for most folks, he's even got that simple (albeit it stereotyped) visual look that slots in well with the SF2 classics. Throw in a chipper personality and a good story mode focus alongside a relatively unique moveset angle (any other SF characters use wind based attacks?) and he's got a lot going for him.
Quick thoughts on the rest.
Laura is the most plain of the newcomers, basically just "the hot one" for this entry and thus my choice for the weakest but still not without some merit.
FANG is great, very unique look, alas he kinda sucks to actually play as even with an intersting posion gimmick. Like with Rashid story mode worked out well for his eccentric self.
Necalli I'm fond of because his stye of fighting is well realised and animated, great feral brutality to his movements. Recieves the opposite effect to FANG and Rashid in regards to story mode so hopefully if they do a round 2 for this he gets a better spotlight.
Kolin doesn't do much for me personality wise but she's got a great look and cool moveset, pushes her up to one of my favourites as a result.
My initial action to buff Ed was negative but I've really come around on him, his prolouge story set up a lot of interesting plot points (what's with the goriila?!) and even boosted Balrog in the process. Simple inputs moveset with an interesting psycho power boxer hook just needs a little fine tuning. Battle Outfit 1 is dope.
Abigail is the master of overcoming the negative first impression, he's like the right kind of hideous character if that makes sense, one you look at thinking "what the shit is this garbage" but has a ton of small mannerisms in his animations and such to potentially win people over.
Now...when's Menat?!