I agree. When I first saw the elementals called sprites I thought it would only be the low level ones as a kind of hierarchy. I couldn't find a single elemental called an elemental even though the sprites are more elemental than the elementals were. Since Gridania dialogue still referes to elementals I assume that the name now only applies to the great elementals (like Oha-Sok). It would be better imo if they kept the new look and went back to calling them elementals.

As an aside: What would an elemental of Wrath look like with the new look?