Makino looked like she was about to cry (in a good way) when she was doing her introduction. Also I love how the former Kenshuusei practically ran out on stage they were so excited.
I think when it comes to telling the girls apart, it's because we don't have faces with a lot of character this time around (Makino has the most distinctive look in my opinion with Haruna behind her) In the past Gens we'd have at least one girl with looks that would stand out. 10th Gen especially, Haruna and Haruka have very distinctive looks. Once they settle into the group though everyone will have less trouble. (I don't have any, but I also have gotten really fast at finding distinctive features in Elementary-Middle school aged Japanese children cause of my job).
Also I will confess I had trouble telling 9th gen apart aside from Kanon when I first caught sight of them.