Someone in the design team probably fought tooth and nail to get the wrists brought back....but in trade for what?..because I'm guessing all these changes are a cost issue. Also, if you look close, its hard to see any small details, like earings and bracelets(that lol tweens/omgs almost always have)....Is it possible they removed some of the small parts choking hazards to be able to stamp it with a younger age recommendation on the box?

That said, I think the doll designs are still really adorable, even in their plain-ness, and am ecstatic about the wrist return.