I received a set via BBTS yesterday, and I think this is a pretty strong wave overall. The Hoth soldier is the winner for me as well, and I really like this figure. Its so nice to finally get a definitive rebel soldier, since most to all of them have been so lacking. The trooper I received also had the skirt. There isn't always a lot of focus on the rest of this wave outside the soldier, but really all the figures seem pretty solid to me. I especially like the Leia figure, and hope that they'll pop a VOTC ANH head on this figure and release that. This figure seems to improve on the few shortcomings of the VOTC Princess Leia figure (ball jointed elbows in particular). Needa is also really cool, if for no other reason that it opens up the possibilities to a number of other Imperials in the future. The Luke is/was a much requested figure, and I have to say that its nice to add one to the collection. The Ugnaught is pretty nice as well, although a two pack would have been good too. Even the Emperor is ok for what it is, although its still funny seeing an OT-era Palpatine with a lightsaber. Really nice wave overall though, and I can't wait to pick up more Hoth troops - just a great figure. That "history of the Hoth trooper" pic Jayson posted is really indicative of how things have changed in the line over the years.
Oh, also, the Build a Droid U-3PO for this wave is really nice too. Hopefully we'll see a C-3PO re-do using this body at some point.