Gosh--what an ugly doll!!!! Also, I saw a picture of Kristen in the AG magazine. It was advertising the AG doll hospital. it showed Kristen's hair all messed up. The AG hospital was able to reapir it--for a price, of course, then add in s&H, you might as well buy a new one. It just showed how unmanagable the Kristen hair is.
I don't think they showed Kirsten doll because her hair is ugly in all dolls. Most likely because it is one of the older dolls and it is more likely to find one like that, that could use some AG hospital help. My niece has it Kirsten (the doll is 11 years old) and her hair needed help. Instead of sending it back (since my nieces Kirsten is pre Mattel and worth more) I did a downy dunk on it, (they describe how to it at many AG fan sites.) It did great. I don't really recommend this drastic of action with a new doll though. (washing and soaking the hair in downy.)
Maybe your DD's one doll isn't the best one, but many Kirsten dolls are. I agree with LuluLovesDisney (musical Velveteen rabbit how funny, BTW my DH's cousin was the rabbit in such a kids play last year.) It isn't about you, but your DD. If you want a pretty dress up in today clothes then a new just like you doll is the way to go. They have a lot like you described to choose from. (maybe the new GT27H or GT22H, GT24H or even GT6H would work great too.) I like the just like you dolls for younger girls too (because they don't need to appreciate the historic component.)
Sounds like your Aunt has some issues about how she grew up. Don't make them DD's. If you DD likes the doll, I don't really see what the problem is.
The new doll of the year 2007 (come out Jan 1st) Niki is supposed to have long brown curly hair. (Some no dolls currently have.) That could be fun too. Since my youngest has hair like that, I think we might need to get it sometime in 2007.