That's the thing, the new sprites look generally good, they could be put into any other VN and feel right at home! But they are a bad fit for the project.
We're not an anti-everything-new mob of luddites, the old sprites could be improved, of course. But after so many people got used to the old designs, it must be done with respect for said original designs!
Dawn Chorus is a fascinating passionate project, telling intimate down-to-earth stories of interpersonal relationships with incredible nuance. It really doesn't need to look like a generic furry porn game...