The new design is just different not better or worse. The one negative part I see is the limited space allocated to news items compared to SE one.

The other options I don't see as a plus
You can already view characters on the lodestone why would I want to on the login screen?
Messaging doesn't sound as useful either. What channel would it message to? In game chat? Not useful if your friend isn't on.
Some of the other options you can already do when you actual click login. How much time do people spend here anyway? I just click through asap