The final sculpts are using the 2014 remastered game models as a base and are more accurate than the original prototypes so it's not really a matter of likeness being wrong but more so the sculpts being so tiny (Ellie's not even being the size of a thumb) that it's hard to catch all the details without proper pictures or a magnifying glass and of course there will be some paint differences between each figure given the amount that was produced.
Those initial pictures were also from retailers just photographing the product on a desk with a lamp probably right on top of the figures that's why I shared those pictures taken by professionals and of course like you mentioned having something in hand and looking at it with your own eyes is very different from seeing pictures online.
If you love the game and these characters and were happy with the prototypes you will be happy with the final versions as they have been improved in pretty much every way, from new bodies, better clothes, redone sculpts and accessories and feature almost microscopic painting details nobody else is doing at this scale. We are fans of the game and love these characters and put a lot of effort into making sure other fans will recognize that when they unbox these so I hope that love comes across when you get yours and that you'll enjoy them after such a long wait.
Lim did it again! Can't wait to 1/6!!! Gonna eat and leave no crumbs!!!
this is absolutely gorgeous. Gonna go cry now 
