I agree as an Ursula liker that it's odd that she is getting the attention she is.
Lloyd is the odd one out for sure, but I imagine the unpopular first impression from the artwork of the only version of him must've had to do at least a little why he isn't worth investing in for IS.
As for interesting alts, what about the non Askr trio starting characters Raigh, Matthew, and Virion? They had to be somewhat popular if they earned that spot back then.