New Mutants was my favourite title as a kid so having half the cast (especially Dani) written out didn't sit well with me. It might have worked if it was a whole new title, but it was such a complete tonal shift from Claremont's work that everyone felt out of character. I mean, she had Sam doing drugs of all characters. He learned his lesson after one try, but he should have known better to start with. The team overall started acting a whole lot younger than they had before.
We're way off topic though, and now I'm wanting to reread Simonson's X-Factor to get an Archangel fix. Too bad I won't have time tomorrow.
So, best Archangel costume? I don't have a preference myself, except that I don't like the skullcap. Warren has great hair, it should be showing at all times.