I felt the same about Gen 8 starters when they first got final evos leaked and I ended up loving them with them growing on me and me liking their designs
I can see the same happen for the SV starters. I wouldn't mind Ash not getting a starter again coz it's fun to see more unpredictable SV mons, but if he had to get one, I'm putting my weight behind Meowscarada
Based on the leaks, I'd like Ash to get Meowscarada/Gimmighoul's evo, That Ttar paradox form, that Volcarona ancient paradox form/Salamence ancient paradox form, Cereludge/Amarouge (one of them), Dunsparce evolution (it's such a troll i unironically dig it), Toadscruel (I feel it'll be a fun addition), the Pseudo legendary (mixed on its design but it has potential).
I feel this would be a fun mix of cool badass mons while covering wide arrays of fun potentials