I have a similar reaction to the sprites, as well as the world map. They show a lot of improvement.
Something else I've found very appreciate so far with A2:CS is how all the graphics look consistent with one another. I remember the older games and seeing a very stark difference between the art of the newer graphic icons, for objects especially, really standing out from the older ones. It's a hard quality to nail down, but it's a very nice and makes the whole experience quite a bit smoother.
I wasn't aware SW had so many Russian detractors haha.