But... but... I didn't like the Kanohi Nuva...

You are right, there are similarities. I like Kopaka's and Lewa's Newva masks better than the old, actually (as far as I can tell now) Give Pohatu's mask an upper portion and he'll be alright too.

I didn't really like them much either, but I'm happy that they've maintained some of their characteristics, just for continuity.

I'll agree in an instant there are similarities, but when I look at the Miru and Kakama Phantoka I see, without the potential for doubt, the Faxon and Vahi respectively. Shown just the masks out of any context, I would never have thought they were the Miru and Kakama Nuva.

I exaggerate slightly, because if I did have to sit down and pick out defining features of the Miru Phantoka, I could arrive at the Miru Nuva, but because it looks so much more like the Faxon I'd have no motivation to. And Pohatu's mask uses the six-year trademark shape of the Vahi, so there wouldn't appear to be any need to try to figure out what mask it is by means of similar features.

That's what I thought too, I'm just bugged by everyone insisting that there are no similarities and that they're completely different...