My take on Wesley...
As others have said, Wesley has much of a Jim Carey vibe to his look. Even his voice has similarities

. I think the actor will grow on me, but need time. Honestly no matter who they got, there would be a period of adaptation.
My take on the SNW Kirk character.....
I think ultimately they did a bang up job. The writers had to find a way to let Kirk and Pike shine in the same show, while showing how Pike's path was wrong vs Kirk TOS, without making Pike look like a bad captain.
Considering the balancing act, I think they did a great job.
I really like the Kirk that they portrayed....
Lots of out-of-the-box thinking, strength, leadership potential, while being respectful. This is very likely how he would have been as he moved up the ranks. I mean he had to have known how to work within a chain of command and within the framework of his duties. He made his case, was intelligent, reasonable, and got stuff done. He backed off when needed. He overstepped boundaries, but only to the point of bending, not breaking the ultimate vision.
They put a brief display the potential synergy between Kirk and Spock without removing from Pike and Spock's relationship.
Can you imagine SNW Kirk being Pike's #1 in the TNG era? Probably would wipe the floor with anybody out there

.
That's my big problem they sold us on the Kirk we all know and love "he's a pain in the ass," "he's not afraid to break the rules," "he uses his charisma," that's Jim Kirk! Then they slap us in the face with a wet noodle.
SNW Kirk is a pain in the ass. He is bending rules, not completely breaking them. I do believe he showed charisma. You could see Pike having instant respect and reverence for Kirk's abilities (ie. patch Kirk in on a secure line so he can hear the conversation). Considering the show is about Pike, there is a limit of how much Kirk could be here.
One more thing I will say is....
Shatner didn't need no damn shoulder pads

....