Because the nu skulpt stuff usually had sharper edges to the sculpts as opposed to soft edges. And to protect the old stuff, of course the 86+ figures have more 'stuff' on them. These were the original designs from the early/mid 80s and mass gear on them wasn't an issue. Look at 1982. How can you even pick on them when it's meant to be simplistic?

-image from Hasbro.com-

-image from yojoe.com-
THis Scar works for me. I don't have a Scarlet figure i'm happy with now. Same with Duke.
The construction would be more accurate to say Microman articulation even tho MM still has more. I'll be getting these regardless.