I want to agree with you, and in theory at least I see the logic 100%, Elizabeth is cool after all, simple as that.

However, from a design point of view, there are a few serious points of detraction in the layout. 1st, the layout itself seems almost like an afterthought, there’s no drama in her pose or expression (which is kind of sad given how awesomely expressive she seems to be in the footage seen so far), and there’s a LOT of empty space with no apparent purpose, not to mention she’s off centre but again without any given reason. (and it’s not an image that works on one side of a layout without a strong visual context).

Imagine the same image, but Elizabeth front and centre, a somewhat more emotional expression (let’s say a melancholy but defiant look) and a background which clearly depicts a sky city falling away behind her (or something similar). That could work, but this, it doesn’t even look like a cover, it looks more like either a inlay or a cover that isn’t finished yet.

For my own part, I voted 6, as that’s a picture of Elizabeth that actually tells a story, though 4 seems to be winning. I can see why people like it, but I just find the red too oppressive when used like that. Needless to say I was never a huge fan of Russian Constructivism (they used a LOT of really heavy reds) even though the layouts were pretty dynamic.

EDIT: I just read someone else’s comment and realised that, though I hadn’t considered that idea, image 1 would be PERFECT for the manual! Not anywhere near dynamic enough to be a cover, but for a manual it’s just enough. ^_^
Oh, and speaking of plain, simple BUT dynamic covers featuring solo characters…

http://www.stooorage.com/show/1281/7831216_007-tifa.jpg

Okay, so technically it isn’t a cover, but as an image it TOTALLY could be. ;)

2 really stuck out to me, but I voted for 6. It appears to be two of the key characters/creatures in the game, so seeing them interact together looks like an appropriate choice to me.

Seriously, this is the Irrational Games that people love. They actually listened to feedback, and provided the option of a reversible cover for fans. Hats off to them. Very classy and respectable of them, unlike most development companies that will just give us the finger.

I think it makes a good reversible cover since it’s just Booker on the front of that one so the reverse would just have Elizabeth.

I think its plain too…

Well, in my opinion, it seems a bit… plain.

EDIT: finally got something to load but it’s really slow. Site must be getting hammered.

EDIT^2: No graphics though so I don’t know what to vote for. lol I’ll try again later.

EDIT^3: Finally got it to work. Voted for #1. Though it seems to be getting the least votes for some reason.