I feel you on some of these, but I think it's way to early just yet to judge aesthetics and textures during the backer beta.
Portraits are a part of this type of games legacy. And I can't agree with you on removing them. I love the portraits.
That being said, the portraits need a tonne more variety and racial variety.
About the actual character customisation though? I also feel it to be extremely limited for this day in age. More of everything needed.
I hope, hope! That these issues will be addressed...
BUT again, this is a backer beta and extremely to early to be worried about aesthetics I'm sure they will add tonnes of stuff and clean up the graphics as we go!