I do prefer many of the characters in the OG simply because I grew up watching the show and have rewatched it so many times.
In regards to Alexis, I think the characteristic missing from CW is her dialogue. I liked trashy housewife Alexis with Nicollette because it was different and Elaine is OK, but just falls a little flat for me - please give me more so I can enjoy her more. OG Alexis was quite witty - perhaps a combination of the writing and Joan's personal stamp. Even the simple scenes popped out like this:
Although I do love Diahann Carroll and was fortunate to meet her at Las Brisas in Acapulco while on holiday in the 90's, I'm glad they are writing more for the character now since I agree Diahann's talents were wasted on OG. I think softening Michael's version a little has helped from the way they wrote her initially in CW as she initially came across like a caricature.
I like Liz's Fallon just as I liked Pamela's, but feel Liz is being overused and a little too over the top. Each episode feels like a new crisis that Fallon must overcome.
I liked OG trashy tramp Sammy Jo moreso for the way she interacted with Alexis, but also like Sam's version being different. However, I feel like he's lost his edge a little. They really need to bring back Steven.
I didn't care for C1 originally, but did enjoy her interactions with Alexis. I miss Celia now. C2 was OK. C3 has grown on me and is much more layered than OG Krystal. OG Krystal I enjoyed just for the interactions between her and Alexis.
Blake doesn't feel impactful enough in CW. Neither does Carrington Atlantic.
I feel CW missed the mark with Claudia. Perhaps if they bring back Steven, she'll eventually show back up.
CW needs to par back some of the crazy facial expressions with Adam, although I liked his interactions with NS Alexis. I also liked OG Adam, but he came across as too campy at times.
So far I like CW Amanda. I felt OG was too pouty, but like her interactions with Alexis.
Kirby is an improvement, but I wish she was more than mostly Sam's sidekick.
I feel Michael has overstayed his welcome and I think the show should have just killed off Jeff to satisfy the expiration and create more of a rift and storyline between Dominique and Alexis.
I wish CW used Monica more.
I hope they keep CW Dex more masculine like OG Dex. I also hope he's the impetus for bringing out a more interesting Alexis.
New penthouse is a great recast for old penthouse.
Lastly, I want to say that the voices of the OG cast were very recognizable and unique from Fallon, Blake, Alexis, Dominique, Sammy Jo, Adam, Sable, even Krystal, etc. They just sounded great reading off their lines.